Celebrations Mark Eve of PIFF Kickoff
Published on | Source
It is the eve of one of Asia's biggest film events -- the annual Pusan International Film Festival.
We go live now to Busan, where our Son Heekyung is standing by to tell us about what's happening down there.
AHN CHAK-HEE, ANCHOR: Hello Heekyung.
SON HEEKYUNG, REPORTER: Hello Chakhee.
Just one day to go before the 11th Pusan International Film Festival kicks off here in this scenic port city of Busan, and fans can't seem to wait any much longer.
AHN CHAK-HEE, ANCHOR: Certainly sounds like the excitement's building there.
SON HEEKYUNG, REPORTER: It sure is.
People are clearly excited and full of anticipation.
Let's hear from a visitor followed by a festival organizer who's going to tell us how things are shaping up so far.
VISITOR: "I've been to most of the pre-opening events in past years. What I like about it is that I can get a rare glimpse of some Korean celebrities, but more importantly, it's fun to watch".
VISITOR: "This is my first time attending a pre-opening event. I'm proud that Busan is hosting such a big festival. I'm excited because I don't know who will turn up".
AHN CHAK-HEE, ANCHOR: So Heekyung, what's been going on down there in Busan
SON HEEKYUNG, REPORTER: Well Chakhee, with a pre-opening event over, it's cooled down a bit here in the festival's plaza.
Some people are heading home while others are still having a good time.
Earlier, the scene was quite different as the festival's plaza was packed with thousands of spectators.
I'll bring you some highlights from the day, but first here's what the festival's director had to say.
DIRECTOR OF PIFF: "We are already marking our 11th year. Over the past 10 years, the Pusan International Film Festival has developed into the most prestigious film event in Asia. Now, it's time for us to look ahead at the next 10 years. And I believe this year is the starting point for us to get ready for the next decade. So this year, we've taken efforts to place the film festival at the heart of Asia's visual industry. In addition, we have prepared a number of programs to attract more visitors. I hope for the best for this year's film gala".
SON HEEKYUNG, REPORTER: It was a night to remember for many spectators.
Music and dance performances lit up the stage for two hours heating up the crowd on this autumn night.
Some sang along while others were clapping to the music.
Cameras flashed throughout the performances.
Even brighter were the fireworks to wish for the success of the festival.
The festival director Kim Dong-ho attended the ceremony held to open a section of the plaza featuring the handprints of renowned Japanese and Korean directors.
Domestic and international media were on hand showing the festival's rising prestige in the globa film scene.
Over nine days, 245 films from 63 countries will be shown, with dozens of films making their debuts here in Busan.
The festival opener is Korean director Kim Dae-seung's "Trace of Love", a melodrama about a man who loses his fiancee in a department store collapse, one month before their wedding.
Closing the festival will be "Crazy Stone" by the Chinese director Ning Hao.
It's a black comedy about a group of men who try to steal jade from a factory.
For the first time, the festival's opening ceremony will be at Haeundae Beach, the city's tourist hot spot.
Organizers say they decided to change the venue so more people can enjoy the festival.
Tonight will probably be a sleepless night for some here too excited at the prospect of seeing their favorite stars at Thursday's opening ceremony.
That's all from me here in Busan.
Back to you Chakhee.
Video by following the link
We go live now to Busan, where our Son Heekyung is standing by to tell us about what's happening down there.
AHN CHAK-HEE, ANCHOR: Hello Heekyung.
SON HEEKYUNG, REPORTER: Hello Chakhee.
Just one day to go before the 11th Pusan International Film Festival kicks off here in this scenic port city of Busan, and fans can't seem to wait any much longer.
AHN CHAK-HEE, ANCHOR: Certainly sounds like the excitement's building there.
SON HEEKYUNG, REPORTER: It sure is.
People are clearly excited and full of anticipation.
Let's hear from a visitor followed by a festival organizer who's going to tell us how things are shaping up so far.
VISITOR: "I've been to most of the pre-opening events in past years. What I like about it is that I can get a rare glimpse of some Korean celebrities, but more importantly, it's fun to watch".
VISITOR: "This is my first time attending a pre-opening event. I'm proud that Busan is hosting such a big festival. I'm excited because I don't know who will turn up".
AHN CHAK-HEE, ANCHOR: So Heekyung, what's been going on down there in Busan
SON HEEKYUNG, REPORTER: Well Chakhee, with a pre-opening event over, it's cooled down a bit here in the festival's plaza.
Some people are heading home while others are still having a good time.
Earlier, the scene was quite different as the festival's plaza was packed with thousands of spectators.
I'll bring you some highlights from the day, but first here's what the festival's director had to say.
DIRECTOR OF PIFF: "We are already marking our 11th year. Over the past 10 years, the Pusan International Film Festival has developed into the most prestigious film event in Asia. Now, it's time for us to look ahead at the next 10 years. And I believe this year is the starting point for us to get ready for the next decade. So this year, we've taken efforts to place the film festival at the heart of Asia's visual industry. In addition, we have prepared a number of programs to attract more visitors. I hope for the best for this year's film gala".
SON HEEKYUNG, REPORTER: It was a night to remember for many spectators.
Music and dance performances lit up the stage for two hours heating up the crowd on this autumn night.
Some sang along while others were clapping to the music.
Cameras flashed throughout the performances.
Even brighter were the fireworks to wish for the success of the festival.
The festival director Kim Dong-ho attended the ceremony held to open a section of the plaza featuring the handprints of renowned Japanese and Korean directors.
Domestic and international media were on hand showing the festival's rising prestige in the globa film scene.
Over nine days, 245 films from 63 countries will be shown, with dozens of films making their debuts here in Busan.
The festival opener is Korean director Kim Dae-seung's "Trace of Love", a melodrama about a man who loses his fiancee in a department store collapse, one month before their wedding.
Closing the festival will be "Crazy Stone" by the Chinese director Ning Hao.
It's a black comedy about a group of men who try to steal jade from a factory.
For the first time, the festival's opening ceremony will be at Haeundae Beach, the city's tourist hot spot.
Organizers say they decided to change the venue so more people can enjoy the festival.
Tonight will probably be a sleepless night for some here too excited at the prospect of seeing their favorite stars at Thursday's opening ceremony.
That's all from me here in Busan.
Back to you Chakhee.
Video by following the link
Advertisement