According to the Korea Herald, the most hotly discussed topic at this year's Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) was whether it was appropriate for a big-budget online film to open Asia's largest film festival?
BIFF has positioned itself over the decades as a gateway to discovering emerging filmmakers and supporting independent films.
Many industry insiders, film journalists and critics were surprised by BIFF’s decision to open this year’s festival with Netflix’s violent action film “Uprising” — not a small-budget film, nor one with a clear message regarding modern Korea.
The 29th festival's organizers have repeatedly explained their reasons for choosing the film, but it remains unclear what BIFF wanted to achieve by choosing an R-rated period action film to open the festival.
“I’ve been a programmer (at BIFF) for 20 years. When you choose the opening film for the festival, you have to be objective. But to be honest, I had some subjective opinions about why I chose this film. I had a feeling that this had to be it,” Pak Do-sin, co-deputy director of this year’s BIFF, said of his decision to choose “Uprising.”
“Of the nominees, ‘Uprising’ has the highest quality as a commercial film with mainstream appeal,” he added. “But again, I can confidently say that BIFF has always been and will always be about independent films. I want to reiterate that.”
It's understandable that BIFF is looking to experiment with streaming content, as the majority of this year's festival posters are promoting upcoming Netflix and Disney+ series.
But many are still concerned that Asia's biggest film festival has chosen a film that isn't even in theaters.
“What BIFF is doing is paradoxical. The local film industry has been severely affected by the penetration of global online platforms, as evidenced by the decline in ticket sales.
This is also discouraging for independent filmmakers. They may consider submitting their work to BIFF later,” a director of a local independent film marketing company told The Korea Herald.
However, the Korea Herald commented that although the film was produced by an online platform, it was regrettable that "Uprising" was not shown in theaters.
“Uprising” is produced and written by famous director Park Chan Wook.
Set during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), “Uprising” tells the story of two men who grew up together, the young master Jong Ryeo (played by actor Park Jung Min) and his servant Cheon Young (played by Kang Dong Won). Bound by fate, a long-standing relationship, and a slave rebellion, the two end up fighting against each other during the Japanese invasion of Korea in the late 16th century.
The Korea Herald praised the film’s artistic shots, props, and sound effects. “Uprising” also gave viewers something to think about. “Uprising” will be available on Netflix starting October 11.
Meanwhile, the 29th Busan International Film Festival takes place from October 2 to October 11 in Busan (South Korea).
