제25회 부산국제영화제 코로나 뚫고 개막... 오프라인 행사 축소하고 영화 상영에 집중<br /><br />It's been scaled down sharply and pushed back by two weeks, BUT, the 25th Busan International Film Festival is kicking off as we speak.<br />It's creating a new model for film festivals in pandemic times with strict virus restrictions.<br />Our Kim Bokyung is live on site.<br />Hi, Conn-young,... right now I'm at Busan Cinema Center where most of the films are being screened.<br />The festival kicked off starting today,... and will run until October 30th.<br />Usually, there are red carpets with lots of celebrities and bustling crowds,... but due to COVID-19, this year's BIFF has been drastically scaled down.<br />None of outdoor events that would attract the crowds are taking place,... including the opening and closing ceremonies.<br />Even the press are unable to cover every corner of the festival this year.<br />Social distancing measures are being strictly followed,... with only 25-percent of the seats in theaters available.<br />Films are only screened once in six theaters,... and visitors can purchase tickets only through the official BIFF website or the mobile application.<br />But directors are still encouraging fans to watch the movies.<br />"I'm especially proud of this year's BIFF for coming to audiences without change."<br />"Although we live in difficult times, I do not believe we will stay disconnected like this. Let's take heart."<br />Though scaled down, It's still great that the film festival is taking place. As there aren't many special events, I heard this year's BIFF is more focused on "presenting the movies". Is that right?<br />That's right. This year, a total of 192 films from 68 countries will be screened. Right behind me is the outdoor cinema where the opening film -- "Septet: The Story of Hong Kong," an omnibus by seven legendary Hong Kong filmmakers is about to start.<br />The anthology shows Hong Kong from 1950s to the present day.<br />The closing film is "Josee, the Tiger and the Fish", based on a short story of the same title.<br />It was made into a movie in 2003, but this animated version takes a fresh approach to the Japanese love story.<br />Although there are fewer screenings than last year, the program director says there is more to look forward to. Take a listen.<br />"We have selected sensational and important movies, all of them like jewels, so audiences will be satisfied. Adding to that are,... 23 official Cannes-selected movies that could not be shown as Cannes wasn't held this year."<br />Those include "Minari" which won a prize at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival.<br />That's all from me for now, but I will bring you more on BIFF throughout this week. Back to you, Conn-young.<br />
