13th Pusan International Film Festival 제13회 부산국제영&#

[rubie]

PIFF 2-10 October, 2008

» editing in progress «

Official Website http://www.piff.org/eng/index.asp

Poster of 2008 Pusan film festival

Feb. 4, BUSAN, South Korea -- This is the official poster for the 13th Pusan International Film Festival (PIFF), scheduled for Oct. 2-10 in South Korea's largest port city Busan. The images on the poster symbolize hope. (Yonhap) (Photo courtesy of PIFF)

Opening

» The Gift to Stalin

Country: Russia, Kazakhstan, Israel, Poland 2008

Director : Rustem Abdrashev (World Premiere)

Closing

» I Am Happy

Country: Korea 2008

Director : Yoon Jong-Chan (World Premiere)

Gala Presentation - Introduction

This year’s ‘Gala Presentation’ will introduce two Asian films, one Korean film, and one film from outside of Asia. (Hong Kong), a newly edited version of Wong Kar Wai’s (1994), Zhang YUAN’s (China) which portrays the tragic love between two lovers, and a psychological thriller directed by Soopum SOHN and starring Korean actress Song Hye-kyo, anxiously await audiences.

Gala Presentation - Official Selection List

» Ashes of Time Redux

Director : Wong Kar Wei Year : 2008 Country : Hong Kong

» Dada's Dance

Director : ZHANG Yuan Year : 2008 Country : China

» Make Yourself at Home

Director : Sohn Soo Pum Year : 2008 Country : Korea, United States

Panorama - Introduction

Korean feature films will be introduced in ‘Panorama’ section and ‘Vision’ section screening twelve(Panorama) and eight(Vision) films. Several premieres films will await the audience. This year, appearance of women filmmakers is noteworthy. Lee Kyung-mi and Bu Ji-young who are well known for their shorts, will show the vitality of Korean cinema with ‘Crush and Blush’ and ‘Sisters on the Road,’ both of which feature female protagonists. In the ‘Vision’ section, Koh Tae-jung and Kang Mi-ja also feature women and teenagers as protagonists in their works.

Although issues on the crisis of Korean film industry have arisen, PIFF introduces various films more than ever before. From genre films to films that feature new settings and characters, ‘Vision’ section delivers the diversity of Korean cinema. From new narrative forms to personal confessions, the progress of the young directors enables the viewer to anticipate the future of Korean cinema.

Panorama - Official Selection List

Korean features in alphabetical order, most have been shown in 2008.. a few new ones awaiting release

A Man Who Was Superman (Dir. Jung Yoon Chul)

Soo-jung, a documentary producer, meets a man who calls himself Superman. At first, she thinks he is mentally disabled, but comes to understand his sincerity. Likewise, viewers will be absorbed in the film's fantasy which crosses between normalcy and craziness.

Crush and Blush (Dir. Lee Kyung-mi) - World Premiere

Yang Misuk, who teaches Russian in high school falls in love with Mr. Seo, her fellow teacher since her high school years. But Mr. Seo is interested someone else. Yang Misuk approaches Mr. Seo’s daughter to find a way to be close to him, but things are not working out quite well.

Forever the Moment (Dir. Yim Soon-Rye)

This film is based on the true story of the women's handball team during the 2004 Olympics in Athens. The athletes of the unpopular sport lead a wearisome life. However, they are given a chance to participate in the Olympics.

Heartbreak Library (Dir. Kim Joung-kwon) - World Premiere

Jun O reads page 198 everyday at the library, and Eun Soo is intrigued by him. This could be the perfect melodrama material but instead, the director fills this a boy-meets-girl story with an erotic air and thriller ambience. Singer and actress Yu Jin makes a cameo appearance.

Himalaya, Where the Wind Dwells (Dir. Jeon Soo-il) - World Premiere

Choi heads for Nepal to find the family of Dorji who died in accident in Korea carrying a urn. He stays in his house but can’t deliver the urn. < Himalaya, Where the Wind Dwells> was filmed in Nepal. The casts of the film are all Nepal natives except Choi

Night and Day (Dir. Hong Sang-soo)

Kim Sung-nam, an artist who flees to Paris, becomes attracted to You-jung, a young art student. Learning that his wife is pregnant, he returns to Seoul. Hong Sang-soo's eighth film unfolds another story of desire. This Hong Sang-soo adventure continues beyond Seoul to Paris.

Oishi Man (Dir. Kim Jeong-jung) - World Premiere

Singer Hyeon Seok has a problem with his ears and has to stop his recordings. He goes to a small village in Hokkaido for a rest. While there, he reminisces about the old days. The owner of the inn offers him a Japanese meal.

Public Enemy Returns (Dir. Kang Woo-Suk)

Kang Chul-joong, a police officer who is more like a gangster, resigns from his job in disgust. However, his resignation is delayed due to a murder case, and Kang starts chasing Lee Won-sool, the CEO of Kuh-sung Corp. The film is the latest sequel to the 'Public Enemy' series.

Sisters on the Road (Dir. Jiyoung Bu) - World Premiere

After their mother’s funeral, the stepsisters decided to travel together. They have different fathers, living styles and personalities. As they fight and share secrets about their fathers, they begin to understand each other.

Sunny (Dir. Lee Jun Ik)

Sunny joins a band in order to find her husband who is conscripted in the Vietnam War. Although Sunny's life changes as she meets Korean, Vietnamese, and US soldiers, her determination to locate her husband does not falter.

The Chaser (Dir. Hong-jin Na)

Joong-ho's employees disappear one by one. While searching the whereabouts of Mi-jin, Joong-ho succeeds in catching the suspect, Young-min. However, Young-min is acquitted for lack of evidence.

The Good, The Bad, The Weird (Dir. Kim Jee-woon)

Since the beginning of its production, the film received attention for its interpretation of the forgotten genre and the vast production costs. Set in Manchu, the film depicts three men, each with a different purpose. PIFF will screen a newly edited version.

MORE 13th PIFF PROGRAM LIST AT www.piff.org

---

September 9, 2008

Kazakhstan Director's Film to Open 13th PIFF in Busan

By Lee Hyo-won

Staff Reporter

A scene from "Gift to Stalin,'' which will open the 13th Pusan International Film Festival.

Asia's largest film fest will open Oct. 2 in the southern port city of Busan. / Yonhap

The 13th Pusan (Busan) International Film Festival (PIFF) will open Oct. 2 with "The Gift to Stalin" by Rustem Abdrashev (Kazakhstan/Russia/Israel/Poland, 2008). Asia's largest and South Korea's foremost cinema event will run for 10 days, showcasing the longest lineup ever of 315 films from 60 countries including 85 world premieres. Korean helmer Yoon Jong-chan's "I Am Happy'' will wrap up the festival Oct. 10.

Young director Abdrashev brings a story set in 1949 Kazakhstan, where a Jewish boy survives the former Soviet Union's forced migration of ethnic minorities to Central Asia. Yoon ("Blue Swallow," 2005) brings yet another story about deeply pained, "unhappy" individuals in "I Am Happy."

The southern port city will turn into a cinematic playground, with 37 theaters around Haeundae Beach hosting the screenings. PIFF's feature film competition section, New Currents, features 14 works. In other sections, there will be 48 international premieres (first overseas screening after a film's domestic screening) and 95 Asian premieres (first screening in the Asian region).

There are 11 sections, including the Gala Presentation featuring the latest works by maestro filmmakers and Flash Forward showing pieces by rising young directors. The competitive short film and documentary divisions have expanded to include films from other Asian countries.

PIFF also introduces Romanian cinema that swept the Cannes Festival in May in "Romania New Wave" as well as the latest Asian feature animations in "Ani Asia!'' The Korean Film Retrospective highlights classics by Kim Ki-young and Han Hyoung-mo.

The Asian Film Market will take place Oct. 3-6 in various venues around Busan to facilitate international film exchange. Programs include the pan-Asia project Pusan Promotional Plan (PPP) and the Busan International Film Commissions and Industry Showcase (BIFCOM), Asia's foremost film industry and technology showcase.

PIFF will welcome cineastes from near and far. Guests include Hong Kong filmmakers Tsui Hark and Wong Kar-wai and Italian helmer Paolo Taviani, and actors like Hyun Bin, Lee Bo-young and Haruka Ayase.

"PIFF has become Busan's most symbolic cultural asset," said PIFF festival director Hur Nam-sik, "I welcome everyone to the 'sea of cinema,' Busan.''

Credits: hyowlee@koreatimes.co.kr

http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2.../135_30792.html

Previously related threads

11th Pusan International Film Festival, PIFF 12-20 October 2006

http://www.soompi.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=89870

12th Pusan International Film Festival, PIFF 4-12 October 2007

http://www.soompi.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=168736

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[rubie]

» editing in progress «

PIFF VODS & Media Clips

News-clip at yahoo.kr (thanks to Huangsy)

13th PIFF Movie trailers X (thanks to mookie, courtesy DCHB)

PIFF Selects Opening Film

Sept 9, 2008 - The Pusan International Film Festival (PIFF) has selected “The Gift to Stalin” as its opening film. In a press conference held Tuesday morning in Busan Grand Hotel, the PIFF organizing committee announced its opening and closing films, and reported that 315 films from some 60 countries have been invited to the festival.

Projected to be the largest PIFF ever, this year’s festival will also feature 85 world premiers. The list of invitees includes world-renowned filmmakers, actors, and actresses including Kazakh director Rustem Abdrashev whose work was selected as the opening film, Hong Kong director Tsui Hark, and Danish-French actress Anna Karina.

This year’s festival will close with South Korean director Yoon Jong-chan’s “I Am Happy,” about the relationship between a psychiatric patient and a nurse. The patient is played by Korea’s hottest heartthrob Hyun Bin and the nurse by beautiful Lee Bo-young. Also Korea’s top film star Song Hye-gyo’s first Hollywood film “Make Yourself at Home” will be presented at the 13th PIFF. Originally known as “Fetish,” the newly titled psychological thriller is about a Korean-American, who marries Suk-hee (played by song), a strange yet beautiful shaman priestess.

The festival will run from October 2nd through 10th in the Nampo-dong neighborhood in the southern port city of Busan. (KBS World)

News conference on Busan film fest

Sept. 9, BUSAN, South Korea -- Officials from the organizing committee for the 13th Pusan International Film Festival hold a news conference on the annual event at a Busan hotel on Sept. 9. This year's festival, set to run Oct. 2-10, will screen 315 films from 60 countries. (Yonhap)

Opening film for Busan film festival

Sept. 9, BUSAN, South Korea -- A scene from Rustem Abdrashev's "The Gift to Stalin," which was selected as the opening film for the 13th Pusan International Film Festival, opening on Oct. 2 in Busan. A total of 315 films from 60 countries will be screened until Oct. 10. (Yonhap)

Various 13th PIFF News Highlight

September 3, 2008: Anna KARINA, the goddess of the nouvelle vague, is to head the New Currents Jury

Sep 3: Anna Karina set to judge Pusan Variety Asia

New Currents Jury

● Anna KARINA / Actress (Head of the New Currents Jury)

● Karl BAUMGARTNER / Producer

● LEE Hwa-si / Actress

● Samira MAKHMALBAF / Director

● Santosh SIVAN / Director

Wide Angle Jury

PIFF Mecenat Award – Documentary

■ AHN Jung-sook / Former Director of Korean Film Council

■ Jean-Pierre REHM / Director of FIDMarseille

■ ZHANG Xian-min / Professor at Beijing Film Academy

Sonje Jury – Short Film

■ KIMJHO Gwangsoo / Head of Cheongnyeon Film

■ Roger GONIN / Festival Director of Clermont-Ferrand Short Film Festival

■ Calida UABUMRUNGJIT / Project Director of Thai Film foundation

Sept 1 : The 13th Pusan International Film Festival announced "Gulnara Sarsenova" for the Asian Filmmaker of the Year! Article posted here

Sept 1: Recipient of the Korean Cinema Award at the 13th PIFF

Richard PEÑA, Program Director at the Lincoln Center, United States - Article posted here

13th PIFF THREAD INDEX

Page 1

Sep 9: Opening film for Busan film festival

Sep 9: Pusan fest swells to record size

[13PIFF] I Am Happy

[13PIFF] Make Yourself At Home

Sep 10: PIFF puts spotlight on Central Asian films

A Window on Asian Cinema - Introduction

Sep 11: 'Lineage' Documents Future of Pansori

Sep 11: Pusan film fest aims to be the best yet

Sep 11: 13th PIFF Presents Robust Line-up

Sep 11: Korean Retrospective at PIFF 2008

Sep 12: Pusan film festival glimpse into Asia's independent cinema

PAGE 2

Sep 18: Song Hye-kyo's Fetish premieres at PIFF

Korean Cinema Today [VISION]- Official Selection List

13th PIFF PROGRAM SCHEDULE - Opening/Closing, Gala Presentation, Panorama

Sep 23: S. Korean Film festival opener sells out in record time

Sep 23: The 13th PIFF Opening Film Sets a New Sellout Record

2008 PIFF Guest List (Asian/World)

Sep 25: Asia's Largest Film Festival to Kick Off in Busan

Sep 27: The 13th Pusan International Film Festival announced its 2nd Guest list

Sep 27: 'The Feast of stars' begins on October 2

Sep 28: Must-See Movies at 13th Pusan Film Festival

9th Pusan Film Critics Award to be held on 3rd Oct at 7pm

PAGE 3

Sep 30: Pusan 2008 - Fest ups ante with more pics, premieres Variety Asia

Pusan 2008 - Production Update: Japan Variety Asia

Pusan 2008 - Production Update: Singapore Variety Asia

Pusan 2008 - Chinese ride Olympic wave into fest Variety Asia

Pusan 2008 - European product surge hits Pusan Variety Asia

Sep 30: JUNG Jin-young and KIM Jung-eun to Start the Festivities at the 13th PIFF!

Sep 30: Pusan 2008 - Fest fetes New York, Eurasia toppers Variety Asia

Sep 30: Pusan 2008 - Fest chief bullish on Korea's bear market Variety Asia

Pusan 2008 - Pusan Promotion Plan sharpens focus Variety Asia

Pusan 2008 - Kofic topper plots recovery course Variety Asia

Sep 30: Pusan 2008 - European product surge hits Pusan

Oct 1: Song Hye Gyo/Tsui Hark and stars of the PIFF, the audience will meet with [2008 PIFF ②]

Oct 1: Lee Byung-Hun, Kim Hye-soo, Hyun Bin in the Busan International Film Festival

Oct 1: Shin Min Ah, Kim Hye-soo, Han Eun Jeong, PIFF : Who's the prettiest girl in? [2008 PIFF ④]

Sep 29: Volunteers for Busan film festival

PUSAN 13th PIFF location pics

Oct 2: Pusan film festival kicks off today

Oct 2: [Pusan International Film Festival Calendar]

Photos: PIFF Hand-Printing Opening Ceremony - Oct 1

[Guest huangsy]

Thx Rubie for starting this thread again this year, 3 years in a row !

Let me contribute the posting for the Closing Film. Scheduled to be screened on 10th Oct 2008 at PIFF at 7:30 pm at the Outdoor Theatre

I AM HAPPY

Country: Korea 2008

Director : Yoon Jong-Chan (World Premiere)

Cast : Hyun Bin, Lee Bo Young

Thread at Soompi : http://www.soompi.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=206422

Credits DEKA_IF.

I Am Happy

* Closing

* A Window in Asian Cinema - Official Selection List

I Am Happy / I Am Happy Korea 2008 113min 35mm COLOR

Yoon Jong-Chan

World Premiere

After his scandalous films, YOON Jong-Chan came back with another story about wounded souls. The director used a horror plot in his outstanding debut [sorum] to describe the mentality of people who have been hurt, and in his second film, [Cheong Yeon], he told us a story about a woman aviator PARK Kyoung-won who was destined to fail. This time he has captured an idea from a short novel called 'Mr. Cho, Man-deuk' by LEE Cheong-joon. The story line and main characters differ slightly from the original story, but it still reflects life at a psychiatric ward. The story begins as troubled Man-soo becomes an inpatient at a psychiatric ward. Man-soo has a flabby family and a gambling brother, who comes to the hospital and bullies Man-soo for her credit card. These sad and angry memories about his family always ties Man-soo down and he tries to hide behind the world of his own creation. Soo-kyung, a nurse, who watches Man-soo everyday, is not exactly having a great life, either. She has a broken heart and also tries to recover from sad memories with her family. Where these two main characters meet is where all the wounded souls stay. HYUN Bin's transformation into a sad inpatient and the clean image of LEE Bo-young stands out in the limited space of the psychiatric ward. The title of this film is a bit of a paradox, but clearly states the wish that we all have for a happier life.

Yoon Jong-Chan

After graduating from Hanyang University's Dept. of Theatre and Film, Yoon Jong-Chan went to the United States and attended Syracuse University, where he earned his MFA. His three short films including [Playback], [Memento] and [Views], won numerous awards at film festivals both in Korea and abroad. [sorum] is his first feature film.

ykbae@paran.com

Source : PIFF ORG

http://www.piff.org/eng/html/program/prog_...uery=i+am+happy

[rubie]

September 9, 2008

Pusan fest swells to record size

Kazakhstan's "The Gifts to Stalin" is set as opening film. World Cinema and New Currents deliver plenty of premieres

Written by Patrick Frater and Han Sunhee

HONG KONG -- The 13th edition of the Pusan Int'l Film Fest, Asia's leading movie fest, will kick off with Kazakh helmer Rustem Abdrashev's "The Gifts to Stalin" and close with Korean helmer Yoon Jong-chan's "I Am Happy."

In between, the event (Oct 2-10) will pack in a record number of movies. The 315 total from 60 countries exceeds even the puffed up tenth anni event. Fest this time claims some 85 world preems, 48 int'l bows and 95 Asian firsts.

Trio of Gala screenings go to Wong Kar-wai's "Ashes of Time Redux," Zhang Yuan's "Dada's Dance" and first time helmer Sohn Soopum's Korean-U.S. co-production "Make Your Self at Home," starring Korean beauty Song Hye-kyo.

The competitive 'New Currents' section counts 14 titles of which selectors said "most of them are low-budget independent films, they are complete with strong storylines, social authenticity, and creativity."

Highlights include O Nathapon's Thai relationship drama "A Month in June," Indonesian race drama "Blind pig who Wants to fly," Chinese helmer Yang Lin's "Er Dong" and Korean titles "Member of Funeral" by Baek Seung bin, and "The pot" by Kim Tae-gon.

Most surprising is the number of world preems of films by major directors presented in the annual 'World Cinema' round-up section, which the selectors oddly describe as leaning on U.S. and U.K. films.

First time outings include the Taviani brothers' "Maybe God is ill," Peter Greenaway's "Rembrandt, J'accuse," Raul Ruiz's "Nucingen House," and Jean-Xavier de Lestrade's "Welcome Home." Other preems include Anna Chi's "Dim Sum Funeral" and Anna Karina's "Victoria." Section's round up of festival faves also includes Mike Leigh's "Happy-go-Lucky," Paolo Sorrentino's "Il Divo," Christian Petzold's "Jerichow," the Dardenne brother's "The Silence of Lorna," Arnaud Desplechin's "Christmas Tale," Ferzan Ozpetek's "A Perfect Day" and Atom Egoyan's "Adoration."

Continuing the fest's role as regional showcase, 'Window on Asian Cinema' section counts 53 titles from past 12 months and highlights emergence of Indonesian cinema and resurgence of filmmaking in The Philippines. Filipino titles include Joel Ruiz' "Baby Angelo," Adolfo Alix Jr.'s "Adela," Ruel Dahis Antipuesto's "Confessional" and Brillante Mendoza's "Serbis." List also includes foreign-language Oscar hopefuls "Captain Abu Raed" from Jordan and "Cape No. 7" from Taiwan.

Source: Variety Asia

http://www.varietyasiaonline.com/content/view/6896/

[Guest mamak]

finally.........indonesia has a representative in this event. Is 'fiksi" the english's title for "3doa3cinta"? . The film casts Dian Sastro and Nicholas Saputra as the lead actors. Cant wait to see.

September 9, 2008

Pusan fest swells to record size

Kazakhstan's "The Gifts to Stalin" is set as opening film. World Cinema and New Currents deliver plenty of premieres

Written by Patrick Frater and Han Sunhee

HONG KONG -- The 13th edition of the Pusan Int'l Film Fest, Asia's leading movie fest, will kick off with Kazakh helmer Rustem Abdrashev's "The Gifts to Stalin" and close with Korean helmer Yoon Jong-chan's "I Am Happy."

In between, the event (Oct 2-10) will pack in a record number of movies. The 315 total from 60 countries exceeds even the puffed up tenth anni event. Fest this time claims some 85 world preems, 48 int'l bows and 95 Asian firsts.

Trio of Gala screenings go to Wong Kar-wai's "Ashes of Time Redux," Zhang Yuan's "Dada's Dance" and first time helmer Sohn Soopum's Korean-U.S. co-production "Make Your Self at Home," starring Korean beauty Song Hye-kyo.

The competitive 'New Currents' section counts 14 titles of which selectors said "most of them are low-budget independent films, they are complete with strong storylines, social authenticity, and creativity."

Highlights include O Nathapon's Thai relationship drama "A Month in June," Indonesian race drama "Blind pig who Wants to fly," Chinese helmer Yang Lin's "Er Dong" and Korean titles "Member of Funeral" by Baek Seung bin, and "The pot" by Kim Tae-gon.

Most surprising is the number of world preems of films by major directors presented in the annual 'World Cinema' round-up section, which the selectors oddly describe as leaning on U.S. and U.K. films.

First time outings include the Taviani brothers' "Maybe God is ill," Peter Greenaway's "Rembrandt, J'accuse," Raul Ruiz's "Nucingen House," and Jean-Xavier de Lestrade's "Welcome Home." Other preems include Anna Chi's "Dim Sum Funeral" and Anna Karina's "Victoria." Section's round up of festival faves also includes Mike Leigh's "Happy-go-Lucky," Paolo Sorrentino's "Il Divo," Christian Petzold's "Jerichow," the Dardenne brother's "The Silence of Lorna," Arnaud Desplechin's "Christmas Tale," Ferzan Ozpetek's "A Perfect Day" and Atom Egoyan's "Adoration."

Continuing the fest's role as regional showcase, 'Window on Asian Cinema' section counts 53 titles from past 12 months and highlights emergence of Indonesian cinema and resurgence of filmmaking in The Philippines. Filipino titles include Joel Ruiz' "Baby Angelo," Adolfo Alix Jr.'s "Adela," Ruel Dahis Antipuesto's "Confessional" and Brillante Mendoza's "Serbis." List also includes foreign-language Oscar hopefuls "Captain Abu Raed" from Jordan and "Cape No. 7" from Taiwan.

Source: Variety Asia

http://www.varietyasiaonline.com/content/view/6896/

[utkim]

Thanks rubie dear for creating this thread .

Gala Presentation - Official Selection List

Make Yourself at Home / Make Yourself at Home United states, Korea 2008

World Premiere

[Make yourself at Home] is feature debut of the director Soopum Sohn, who was invited to PIFF and Cannes with his short [island to Island] in 2000. The film has been noted since its early production stage starring the celebrated Korean actress Song Hye Kyo. In the upper class suburbs of New Jersey, Korean-American Peter is starting a new life with his mysterious bride, Sookhy, whom he met through a marriage broker in Korea. She chose this foreign country to avoid the power of shamanism, but her fate doesn't let her run way from it. The film portraits church-based Korean communities in states, where the traditional values are rather ignored by American pragmatism and conflict arises between two different cultures-orient and occident. The two cultures get close and wrecked, just as Sookhy tries to be American woman imitating her neighbor Julie. [Make Yourself at Home] surprises and confuses the audience with its complexities of cultural context and religious madness.

Sohn Soo Pum

No Data.. Sohn Soo Pum

Source : PIFF ORG

ps :only 3 film in this category

@deka

[rubie]

Thx Rubie for starting this thread again this year, 3 years in a row !

Let me contribute the posting for the Closing Film. Scheduled to be screened on 10th Oct 2008 at PIFF.

Thanks rubie dear for creating this thread .

Thanks Huang and Kim for the good, warm words. Honestly, I almost didn't want to start the thread when Huang PMed me yesterday. Because.. seriously.. it's not as easy as it looks. I'm reluctant because I was afraid I would not be able to update and maintain the thread because once the festival starts.. everything will start to come all at once, overwhelmingly. Last year's was crazy enough.

Looks like this year's PIFF has more movies than ever before and in a shorter period of time, too. Hopefully, this time.. everyone can share more about PIFF here.

Really appreciate the posts, keep on sharing.. ok!

finally.........indonesia has a representative in this event. Is 'fiksi" the english's title for "3doa3cinta"? . The film casts Dian Sastro and Nicholas Saputra as the lead actors. Cant wait to see.

Is the director for 3doa3cinta.. as stated below? I'd love to see Nicolas Saputra at PIFF, that would be awesome. We can check for more details at the PIFF website.

Fiksi

Director : Mouly Surya Year : 2008 Country : Indonesia

One day, lonely Alisha moves next door to the object of her infatuation, Bari. Bari tells her about the other tenants, a collection of odd and eccentric characters he is writing about. But Bari doesn't have an ending to his stories, so Alisha suggests some ideas, including murder.

Source: http://www.piff.org/eng/html/program/prog_...entry_year=2008

[Guest huangsy]

news clip at http://kr.news.yahoo.com/service/news/shel...091015040240675

315 films from 60 countries in 9 days !

[rubie]

September 10, 2008

PIFF puts spotlight on Central Asian films

Image 'The Gift to Stalin' from yahoo.news, thanks to Huangsy

Organizers of the 13th Pusan International Film Festival have taken some major steps to address past criticisms and ensure maximum convenience for guests and participants this year.

"The means of purchasing tickets have been updated. One example is the ability to buy tickets by using your cell phone," said Hur Nam-sik, the festival director, at a press conference on Tuesday.

"We've also done our very best to ensure that commuting to and fro around the festival venues and various sites hosting special events will be as hassle-free and convenient as possible."

For the last two years, the PIFF has been criticized for having a "lack of administrative insight."

In terms of the national origin of the films, organizers of this year's competition have gravitated towards Central and Southeast Asia, in addition to inviting more selections from non-Asian countries.

Previous editions of the PIFF were mainly for East Asian films, with selections outside of the region premiering out of any competition.

"We noticed that other major film festivals around the globe were neglecting the Central and Southeast Asian regions," said Jay Jeon, the deputy director of the festival.

"The quality of the films that were submitted from Southeast Asia convinced us that it's a region which has been unjustly neglected, so we decided to reach out. It is also a way for us to truly distinguish ourselves from the rest of the festival organizations."

A Kazakh film, "The Gift to Stalin," directed by Rustem Abdrashev, was picked to open the festival, which will run from Oct. 2-10. During that time, 315 films from 60 countries will be screened.

"We felt that this film deserved as much exposure as it can possibly get because it moved us to the core. What better way for it to get that exposure than for it to be the opening film?" said Kim Ji-seok, who is the executive programmer of the festival.

Yoon Jong-chan's "I Am Happy," starring Hyun Bin and Lee Bo-yeong, has been chosen to close the festival.

The opening and closing films share the theme of rehabilitation in the aftermath of tragedy. Perhaps that best reflects the somber mood of this year's PIFF.

One addition to this festival that will surely have movie lovers excited is the Lotte Cinema Multi-plex, which will screen various international films in both HD and 35mm. Domestic films with subtitles will be shown, as well.

By Song Woong-ki (kws@heraldm.com)

http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/

[rubie]

» editing in progress «

A Window on Asian Cinema - Introduction

This year’s A Window on Asian Cinema will offer us to sum up the current of Asian cinema from second half of 2007 to 2008. In addition, 53 films from 00 countries will prove the importance of Asian cinema. Indonesian films which its industry is fast growing and the films from Philippines, the newly emerged Mecca for independent films will boast Southeast Asian masterpieces. Also you will feel the strength of China and Japan, the countries that have constantly made high quality films. Central Asia is enjoying the recent economical development while Iran is becoming the heartland of Artistic films and India is emerging as one of the countries that has the powerful film industries. The films from those countries including India’s socialists’ films will be the issues of why we have to pay attention to them.

A Window in Asian Cinema - Official Selection List

12 Lotus

Director : Royston Tan Year : 2008 Country : Singapore

Adela

Director : Year : 2008 Country : Philippines

All Around Us

Director : Year : 2008 Country : Japan

Among the Clouds

Director : Year : 2008 Country : Iran

Baby Angelo

Director : Joel Ruiz Year : 2008 Country : Philippines

Be Calm and Count to Seven

Director : Year : 2008 Country : Iran

Cape No. 7

Director : Year : 2008 Country : Taiwan

Captain Abu Raed

Director : Year : 2007 Country : Jordan

Child by Children

Director : Koji Hagiuda Year : 2008 Country : Japan

Confessional

Director : Year : 2007 Country : Philippines

Departures

Director : Year : 2008 Country : Japan

Feast of Villains

Director : Pan Jianlin Year : 2008 Country : China

Fiksi

Director : Mouly Surya Year : 2008 Country : Indonesia

Firaaq

Director : Nandita Das Year : 2008 Country : India

Flowers of the Sky

Director : Year : 2008 Country :

Goo Goo the Cat

Director : Year : 2008 Country : Japan, Korea

Jay

Director : Year : 2008 Country : Philippines

Jermal

Director : Year : 2008 Country :

Kanchivaram

Director : Year : 2007 Country : India

Lonely Tunes of Tehran

Director : Saman Salour Year : 2008 Country : Iran

Miao Miao

Director : Year : 2008 Country : China

My Darling of the Mountains - Tokuichi in love

Director : Year : 2008 Country : Japan

My Magic

Director : Eric Khoo Year : 2007 Country : Singapore

Native Dancer

Director : Year : 2008 Country :

Orz Boyz!

Director : Yang Ya-Che Year : 2008 Country : Taiwan

River People

Director : HE Jianjun Year : 2008 Country : China

Sell Out!

Director : Yeo Joonhan Year : 2008 Country : Malaysia

Service

Director : Year : 2008 Country :

Snakes and Earrings

Director : Year : 2008 Country : Japan

Songs from the Southern Seas

Director : Marat Sarulu Year : 2008 Country :

Soul of a Demon

Director : Year : 2007 Country : Taiwan

Sparrow

Director : Johnnie To Year : 2008 Country :

Still Walking

Director : Year : 2008 Country : Japan

TAHAAN - A Boy with a Grenade

Director : Year : 2008 Country : India

The Convert

Director : Yasmin AHMAD Year : 2008 Country : Malaysia

The Moon at the Bottom of the Well

Director : Year : 2008 Country : Vietnam

The Shaft

Director : Zhang Chi Year : 2008 Country : China

The Song of Sparrows

Director : Majid Majidi Year : 2008 Country : Iran

The Yurt

Director : Year : 2007 Country : Uzbekistan

This Longing

Director : Year : 2008 Country : Malaysia

Together with My Father

Director : Year : 2008 Country : Kazakhstan

Trivial Matters

Director : Year : 2007 Country :

Twilight Dancing

Director : Year : 2008 Country : China

[Guest mookie]

Trailers for some of the films showcased in the 13th PIFF:

http://www.tagstory.com/video/video_post.a...a_id=V000234289

fr: DCHB

[utkim]

^^ Thanks for sharing , mookie

"Make Yourself at Home" poster

source : PIFF Official Website @hyebaragi

[Guest jicks]

To echo utkim & huangsy's words, thankyou rubie for starting this thread!

The Pusan Film Festival is one of my favourites, & it seems like there alot of great movies lined up this year for the event. A few that I am definitely v. intrigued about & want to see.

Ashes Of Time Redux is running! I'm curious to see what Wong Kar Wai has done to the original classic. Hopefully that also means Tony Leung will make an appearance XD

Going by the pics, Hyun Bin's mess of hair doesn't 100% convince me alone that he is playing a person w/ a mental disorder but I guess we will wait & see ><

SHK visually looks great in Make Yourself At Home & it will be interesting to see how she performs in her first major international collaboration.

I really want to see Sisters On The Road, too.

Can't wait to see the stars roll out XD

[rubie]

Thanks Huang and mookie for the PIFF news & trailer clips, respectively. ^^ Really appreciate all the good sharing, will compile them up for easier reference.

It's not that long till October 2 but for now.. it'll be mostly updating the news and getting reading for the BIG RUSH.. when the events starts. With only a 9-day event and a whole lot of movies shown, don't know how erratic it'll be but that's what & where the fun all about.. huh.

Hi, jicks! So good to see you here! I wonder who'll be in the Open Talk session this year.. hope it'll be Song Kang Ho and Michelle Yeoh, perhaps. :blush: Oops.. I should check the PIFF website for this. And wow to GHJ who has two movies making the world premiere in the panorama section... Crush and Blush & Sisters on the Road.. both by Korea's female auteurs. Like melusine said.. it's GIRL POWER!

[deka_if]

thanks rubie for starting ths thread...

i want to repost the article from The Korea Times

09-11-2008

'Lineage' Documents Future of Pansori

Su-beom, a 12-year-old pansori student, right, and Seong-yeol, 10, star in the

documentary film "Lineage of the Voice.'' / Courtesy of Jin Jin Pictures

By Lee Hyo-won

Staff Reporter

High shrills and bellowing lows of the human voice scurry across the bel canto range. Korean opera ``pansori,'' with its violent vibrato and indecipherable lyrics inspired by classical poetry, is a highly acquired taste among modern Koreans who are more attuned to pop songs. In the 1990s, master filmmaker Im Kwon-taek helped rekindle public interest in it.

Now a young director spotlights pansori anew through the voices of ``soriggun'' (pansori singer) children in the riveting documentary ``Lineage of the Voice.'' The two often considered ``boring'' genres, documentary and pansori, become at once engrossing and delightful through the vibrant energy of two boys struggling to understand the art of pansori and the secrets of life.

Featured in the 12th Pusan (Busan) International Film Festival (PIFF), ``Lineage'' recently won the feature documentary award at the Syracuse International Film Festival in New York. Debutant director Paik Yeon-ah was an editor for Daniel Gordon's North Korea documentary ``A State of Mind.'' In her own feature film, she demonstrates the ability to harness objective documentation to artistic ends, achieving a sense of creative control without slipping into the traps of sappy docudramas. More importantly, as much as the film flirts with reality, it leaves room for many questions.

The camera follows two child prodigies growing up in different backgrounds. In Haenam, South Jeolla Province, 12-year-old Su-beom has mastered the four-hour-long ``Song of Shim Chung'' and now travels hours on end to receive lessons from pansori maestro Cho Sang-hyun. He has the fervent support of his father, who is realizing his thwarted dreams of becoming a musician through his son

Meanwhile, in Gunsan, North Jeolla Province, Seong-yeol, 10, learned to sing before he could speak. He is a little star that travels from one village to another with his soriggun father. But these aren't conventional concert tours ― the petite boy, dressed as a miniature aristocrat from the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910), entertains elderly citizens and afterwards encourages them to buy over the counter drugs and such. It's what insiders call ``dekkiya,'' a marketing tactic employed by many pharmaceutical companies, and even Samulnori founding father Kim Duk-soo was hired as a boy jester.

Like Su-beom, Seong-yeol, too, must carry on his father's ambitions. The only difference is that Su-beom's father drives him around in a luxurious sedan. Once a promising pansori student in college, Seong-yeol's father now battles alcoholism and his sense of failure.

The director follows these boys for three years. Su-beom, who was always the best in his former pansori school, struggles to catch up with other students in his new class. He is also too young to fully comprehend that pansori must be delivered through the mouth and received through the heart. Unlike Su-beom, who is seen whining like a child, Seong-yeol is mature beyond his years, perhaps as a result of being part of a traveling circus. His problems are more immediate ― poverty and abuse.

The Prince and the Pauper-type juxtaposition is rather formulaic, as it shows how blooming musicality never surrenders easily to circumstances. But the director keeps a sensible distance from her subject matter, allowing the viewer to make his or her own judgment before the camera zooms into tears or features interviews with the main characters. Moreover, it reads like a beautiful storybook, with picturesque Jeolla Province scenery melting in with the soulful music.

But of course, their story is not yet complete. The prepubescent boys will face greater personal struggles, as puberty challenges their vocal chords and time tests their passion once their fathers no longer pressure them to sing.

In theaters Sept. 18. 100 minutes. All ages admitted. Distributed by Jin Jin Pictures.

hyowlee@koreatimes.co.kr

Source : The Korea Times

[deka_if]

2008.09.11

Pusan film fest aims to be the best yet

Organizers of the 13th Pusan International Film Festival have taken some major steps to address past criticisms and ensure maximum convenience for guests and participants this year.

"The means of purchasing tickets have been updated. One example is the ability to buy tickets by using your cell phone," said Hur Nam-sik, the festival director, at a press conference Tuesday.

"We've also done our very best to ensure that commuting to and fro around the festival venues and various sites hosting special events will be as hassle-free and convenient as possible."

For the last two years, the PIFF has been criticized for having a "lack of administrative insight."

In terms of the national origin of the films, organizers of this year's competition have gravitated towards Central and Southeast Asia, in addition to inviting more films from non-Asian countries.

Previous editions of the PIFF were mainly for East Asian films, with selections outside of the region premiering out of any competition.

"We noticed that other major film festivals around the globe were neglecting the Central and Southeast Asian regions," said Jay Jeon, the deputy director of the festival.

"The quality of the films that were submitted from Southeast Asia convinced us that it's a region which has been unjustly neglected, so we decided to reach out. It is also a way for us to truly distinguish ourselves from the rest of the festival organizations."

A Kazakh film, "The Gift to Stalin," directed by Rustem Abdrashev, was picked to open the festival, which will run from Oct. 2-10. During that time, 315 films from 60 countries will be screened.

"We felt that this film deserved as much exposure as it can possibly get because it moved us to the core. What better way for it to get that exposure than for it to be the opening film?" said Kim Ji-seok, executive programmer of PIFF.

Yoon Jong-chan's "I Am Happy," starring Hyun Bin and Lee Bo-yeong, has been chosen to close the festival.

The opening and closing films share the theme of rehabilitation in the aftermath of tragedy. Perhaps that best reflects the current somber mood in the domestic film market.

One addition to this festival that will surely have movie lovers excited is the Lotte Cinema Multiplex, which will screen various international films in both HD and 35mm. Domestic films with subtitles will also be shown.

By Song Woong-ki

(kws@heraldm.com)

Source : The Korea Herald

[deka_if]

2008.09.11

13th PIFF Presents Robust Line-up

The 13thedition of the Pusan International Film Festival (PIFF) will offer its biggest line-up ever with a total of 315 films from 60 countries screening Oct 2 –10 in Korea's popular south-eastern port city. Opening the event is The Gift to Stalin, by Kazakh director Rustem Abdrashev, a choice complementing the selection of Kazakh producer Gulnara Sarsenova as recipient of PIFF's 2008 Asian Filmmaker of the Year award.

A Korean film has been named to close this year's fest, the world premier of YOON Jong-chan's I am Happy, a psychiatric drama based on a novel by acclaimed Korean author LEE Chong-jun. PIFF is putting its weight behind local films this year, and, under the catch-phrase 'Way to Go, Korea!' will host the World Premier of 15 Korean features.

Among those, three Korean films will compete in PIFF's competition section, New Currents, alongside 11 films from 8 other Asian countries. They are Land of Scarecrows, the sophomore effort by Last Dining Table director ROH Gyeong-tae, Member of Funeral by BAEK Seung-bin and The Pot by KIM Tae-gon.

PIFF's Window on Asian Cinema section will showcase 51 films from 23 Asia countries while World Cinema ranges the rest of the world with 68 films from 38 countries. 4 Gala presentations will be held this year, consisting of US-Korea co-production Make Yourself at Homeby SOHN Soo-pum, a re-edited version of Hong Kong director WONG Kar-wai's '94 classic, re-titled Ashes of Time Redux, and the world premiers of TSUI Hark's Not All Women Are Bad and ZHANG Yuan's Dada's Dance, both from China.

A range of Special Programs this year include a retrospective on Italian filmmakers, the Taviani Brothers; 12 films from the Romanian New Wave including Cristian Mungiu's Occident (2002); 11 films from a rarely seen genre: Asian Superheroes 9 animations from Ani Asia!; and an unusual treat, a compilation called 'Music Videos by Asian Film Directors'.

Regular sections, Midnight Passion, Open Cinema, and Wide Angle, Flash Forward and Korean Cinema Retrospective will be back with a new crop that should not disappoint. PIFF will also launch its 'dedicated cinema' concept, screening films of a certain type or region at specific venues. Audiences interested solely in Korean films need only go to the Primus venue for all their screenings. PIFF also adds a new multiplex to its venue map, the Lotte Cinemas in Haeundae, bringing its total screens to 37 this year.

The festival aims to be more audience-oriented this year. Master Classes and Hand Printings by directors Tsui Hark and Paolo Taviani, and French actress Anna Karina will be held. PIFF's total budget for 2008 is US $9.8 million. The festival's English website can be found at http://www.piff.org/eng/index.asp

Nigel D'Sa (KOFIC)

Source : KOFIC

http://www.koreanfilm.or.kr/KOFIC/Channel?...esimul_SNO=1075

[deka_if]

2008.09.11

Korean Retrospective at PIFF 2008

This year's Korean Cinema Retrospective, a program held annually at the Pusan International Film Festival (PIFF) presents two categories, one highlighting the films of HAN Hyung-mo, a master of popular comedies and dramasduring the 50s and 60s, and a special spotlight on two films by the weird genius of Korean cinema, KIM Ki-young.

The section on director HAN, titled 'Alchemist of Popular Genres' will showcase seven of his 19 features: his first box office hit, The Hand of Destiny (1954), the racy for its time melodrama, Madame Freedom (1956), the successful comedy, Hyperbolae of Youth (1956), and four others, Love to Death (1957), A Female Boss (1959), A Dream of Fortune (1961), and My Sister Is a Hussy (1961).

In the second category, titled 'Archeology of Korean Cinema', KIM's masterpiece The Housemaid (1960), now in a new digitally restored print funded through the Martin Scorsese-founded World Cinema Foundation and unveiled earlier this year at Cannes, will screen along with and a rarely seen but labor-of-love late feature, the 4 years in-the-making Ban Geum-ryun(1981), an erotically charged Chosun-set tale of a cunning seductress. Actress LEE Hwa-si, who starred in the latter film will participate in PIFF on the New Currents jury.

Previous editions of the Korean Cinema Retrospective have included spotlights on director LEE Man-hee and actor KIM Seung-ho. This year's PIFF will run October 2 – 10.

Nigel D'Sa (KOFIC)

http://www.koreanfilm.or.kr/KOFIC/Channel?...esimul_SNO=1072

[rubie]

September 12, 2008

Pusan film festival glimpse into Asia's independent cinema

By Kim Young-gyo

SEOUL, Sept. 12 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's largest annual cinematic celebration, the Pusan International Film Festival (PIFF), opens next month and will highlight a diverse group of Asian film makers and non-mainstream talents from around the region.

The festival has been held annually in the southern port city of Busan -- previously spelled Pusan -- since 1996. This year's festival begins Oct. 2 for a nine-day run.

Of the more than 300 films to be screened, 100 are from 14 different Asian countries, including Mongolia, Pakistan and the Philippines, as well as Jordan, said Kim Ji-seok, executive programmer for PIFF.

"We've also selected, for the first time at PIFF, a Kazakh film as the opener," Kim said. "It is an exciting adventure for us."

Kazakh director Rustem Abdrashev's "The Gift to Stalin," which documents the forced resettlement of thousands of ethnic minorities under Joseph Stalin, has been selected as the opening piece for this year's festival.

PIFF's yearly segment "A Window to Asian Cinema" will sum up the cinematic breakthroughs made from the second half of 2007 through 2008.

Indonesia and the Philippines, newly emerging meccas for independent film making, will offer a glimpse into Southeast Asian masterpieces, while Iran will showcase a new generation of artistic films coming out of the Islamic nation. India will preview several socialist films.

Four other programs focusing on Asia are also scheduled during the festival, Kim said.

"Superheroes in Asia," eleven films from various Asian countries, will explore the social and political impact of Hollywood's genre films on each country.

"ANI ASIA!" will feature animated films highlighting styles inspired by the region's varied traditional cultures, including works from Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and other East Asian countries. Through the films audiences will gain insight into each country's unique identities.

Riding on the latest boom in the global film industry, PIFF will introduce the "2008 Asian Omnibus Collection," a compilation of various subject matters and directing styles. The seven films represented in this year's collection address the wide ranging issues of feminism, human rights, fear, love and urban life. Japanese directors Yoichi Sai, Junji Sakamoto and Lee Sang-il, a third-generation Korean-Japanese, as well as Indonesia's Nia Dinata, Indian director Rituparno Gosh and Yongyooth Thongkongtoon from Thailand will present their works.

The festival will feature music videos by established Asian film directors, such as Thailand's Wisit Sasanatieng and Pen-ek Ratanaruang, Malaysia's Ho Yuhang and Yasmin Ahmad, Japan's Nobuhiro Yamamini coopera, and up-and-coming Edwin of Indonesia and Auraeus Solito from the Philippines.

"The festival will give a rare opportunity to view the experimental works of these talented directors, which will surely provide more insight into their film work," Kim said.

Credits: ygkim@yna.co.kr

http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/culturespo...001200315F.HTML

[Guest huangsy]

Schedule is out !

http://www.piff.org/eng/html/schedule/date.asp?day1=2