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October 3, 2008
'Gift' Brings Kazakhstan Closer to Korea
By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter
“The Gift to Stalin'' director Rustem Abdrashev, left, appear with the film’s actors
before the press at the 13th Pusan (Busan) International Film Festival (PIFF), Thursday.
The first Kazakh film to be invited to PIFF, the historical drama opened the festival
at the opening ceremony Thursday. / Yonhap
BUSAN -- "The Gift to Stalin," the first ever Kazakh film to be invited to the Pusan (Busan) International Film Festival (PIFF), opened the 13th annual event Thursday. This endearing, family-friendly film shows that something classic is never out of style: historical drama unearths the past for Kazakh and provides a window to a new world for the Korean audience, while the politically correct, good old traditional celebration of virtue in times of adversity appeals to crowds of all backgrounds.
The namesake "gift'' here is no ordinary birthday present, but a Hiroshima-style atomic test bombing carried out in Kazakhstan in August 1949 for Stalin's 70th birthday. Director Rustem Abdrashev sheds light upon this harrowing event of ethnic persecution, but makes it palatable ? and all the more palpable ? as it is told through the story of a charming little boy.
"It's been a little over a decade since Kazakhstan's liberation. This is the first film to reflect upon the postwar Soviet years, and I wanted to show how the younger generation perceives that period. The movie premieres at this festival in order to reach a larger audience,'' Abdrashev told reporters following the press preview Thursday.
"Gift'' has the soft touches and deeply affecting allure that correspond to South Korea's own such project,
Crossing.'' The first film to depict the plight of North Korean defectors, it also makes uncomfortable truths more approachable through the story of a young boy, without beautifying or skewing the facts in any way.
"I think Koreans and Kazakhstanians are kindred spirits," he continued. "After learning about the two Koreas, I always wanted to visit South Korea. I think Kazakhstan and Korea have similar cultures, lifestyles and values. There is a lot of pain in our histories, but we should remember it," he said.
Charming child actor Dalen Shintemirov plays the role of a Jewish boy, Sashka, who is relocated to Central Asia following the arrest of his parents. He was one of more than 1.2 million such minorities forced to move at the time, subtitles say. The arduous train journey takes the life of his ailing grandfather, and the boy is saved from being buried alive with the corpse by Kasym, a one-eyed Muslim laborer (Nurzhuman Ikhtimbaev).
Sashka is taken to a village that is home to orphaned ethnic and religious minorities, a haven for tolerance and virtue in the repressive Stalinist state. But the serenity of rural Kazakhstan is forever disrupted when the town receives an unexpected "gift" while commemorating Stalin's birthday. Sashka is again left all alone in the world.
The unforgettable gaze of the child makes the film a must-see. The nine-year-old was just as winsome in person at the conference. "I always dreamed of traveling and I'm so happy I was able to come here with just one phone call," said Shintemirov, grinning brightly. "I wanted to be an actor but I'm thinking I might become a director now," he said, drawing laughter from the director and his co-star, Kazakhstan's most representative actor Ikhtimbaev.
The actor is from the postwar Soviet years. "When I was young, I grew up watching the deportation of 30 minority groups. Today about 130 ethnic groups comprise Kazakhstan, including Koreans who were forced to move. My neighbor was a Korean director and I've acted opposite Korean actors in film," he said, adding that he is particularly impressed by the talent of Korean actresses. He said he found the actress in a Korean culinary TV drama being broadcast in Kazakhstan wonderful, presumably referring to Lee Young-ae of "Jewel in the Palace" (Daejanggeum).
The 13th edition of PIFF marks a record lineup of 315 films from 60 countries. Over the years, there was mounting concern about the festival becoming increasingly commercial. PIFF's choice of "Gift" as its opening film is by far one of its most praiseworthy decisions, as it upholds the essential spirit of international film events, to celebrate the inspirational power of cinema to promote cross-cultural exchange and understanding.
"Gift" will continue to be screened throughout PIFF, which runs through Oct. 10. 99 minutes. No rating. Nikola-Film.
Credits: [email protected]
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2008/10/141_32113.html
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PIFF Competition Section Promotes Asian Cinema
By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter
From left, PIFF director Kim Dong-ho, New Current jury head and actress/director Anna Karina,
German producer Karl Baumgartner, Korean actress Lee Hwa-si and Indian director Santosh Sivan
discuss the competition section of the 13th Pusan (Busan) International Film Festival (PIFF), Friday./ Yonhap
BUSAN ― The star-studded jury of New Currents, the unique competition section of the 13th Pusan (Busan) International Film Festival (PIFF), met with the press Friday to discuss the competition's aim to promote Asian cinema and in particular rising young directors.
The jury is headed by one of the world's most famous actresses Anna Karina, muse of the Eric Rhomer and Jean-Luc Godard-led French La Nouvelle Vague (French New Wave). In 1961, she won the Silver Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival with Godard's "Woman is a Woman."
Karina, 68, makes her first visit to South Korea, and finds it "flattering" that the younger generation still remembers her works from the 1950s and 60s. "But it's too much," she said. But she is happy that the retro works are still up to date. "It is a great honor," she said about presiding over the jury. The actress-turned-director also brings her latest work "Victoria" to PIFF.
Also on the jury is German producer Karl Baumgartner, who has co-produced Asian masterworks like Mira Nair's "Monsoon Wedding" and Kim Ki-duk's "Spring Summer Fall Winter and Spring."
"The role of the New Currents award has become increasingly important in Asian cinema,'' he said, explaining that Asian cinema has made an incredible development during the past 15 years. Before, only Japapense directors like Kenji Mizoguchi were well known in Europe, but Chinese directors like Chen Kaige as well as Korean ones like Kim Ki-duk and Park Chan-wook have emerged, he said. PIFF also marked the first opening of an Indian movie in the international cinema scene, he said.
"Asians are encouraged to explore non-traditional Hollywood views, creating a platform for new Asian filmmakers," said another jury member, Indian director Santosh Sivan, whose works including "Nine Emotions" have screened at PIFF.
Also part of the jury is actress Lee Hwa-si, who marks the heyday of retro South Korean cinema with the late director Kim Ki-young. The 57-year-old had recently made a comeback to acting after a long hiatus and expressed her great amazement with the heightened speed, youth and passion of today's local filmmaking. Iranian director Samira Makhmalbaf was unfortunately unable to attend the festival due to a case of dyspnea but PIFF festival director Kim Dong-ho joined the members for the talk.
"New Currents focuses on discovering new directors and new movies. The most impressive work will be given the award, and the jury makes the entire decision," said Kim. A total of 14 works from young directors from the world will contend for two awards, a cash prize of $300,000 each. The winners will be announced Oct. 7.
PIFF runs through Oct. 10. Visit www.piff.org (Korean and English) for more information.
Credits: [email protected]
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2008/10/135_32112.html
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Sunday, 05 October 2008
Zhang goes for "Revenge"
Chinese superstar to produce and star in local language romantic comedy
PUSAN-- Zhang Ziyi is to star in a big-budget Chinese-language romantic comedy called "Sophie's Revenge." The China-South Korea co-production is being co-developed by Korea's CJ Entertainment and Zhang.
CJ will part finance the picture and is negotiating to pick up distribution rights in Europe and Asia. Other companies from Hong Kong and China are expected to provide the rest of the coin. Budget, currently set in the $20 million - $30 million range, will only be determined on the basis of final casting.
Pic will be helmed by an up and coming Chinese director to be announced in November in Beijing.
Zhang, who recently wrapped Chinese period drama "Mei Lanfang" and U.S. horror-thriller "The Horsemen," is understood to have been looking for a romantic comedy for Asian auds. She is next skedded to appear opposite Hugh Grant in the English-language romancer "Lost for Words."
"Romantic comedy with big stars like Zhang Ziyi, is not an established genre in China and we look forward to a successful collaboration with Zhang," Mike Suh, head of international film financing and distribution at CJ said. "More detailed information will be announced in Beijing in the near future."
CJ briefly introduced the project at its annual party in Busan, that serves as its annual curtain raiser for its next year's line-up. The company also unveiled a new Japanese co-production, "Fish Story," based on a hit novel by Isaka Kotaro.
"Fish" is produced by Amuse Soft and will be distributed in Japan by Showgate. CJ will invest in the production and take international rights.
Zhang previously appeared in two other Korean movies: "Musa The Warrior"(2001) and 2003's "My Wife Is a Gangster 2.
Source: Variety Asia
http://varietyasiaonline.com/content/view/7130/ |
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October 3, 2008
APAN - Asia Pacific Actors Network Conference
 
이날 행사에는 안성기, 강수연, 리 샤오루(Li Xiaolu), 메르세데스 카브럴(Mercedes Cabral), 문 블러드굿(Moom Bloodgood), 범직위(Fan Chih Wei), 서천우(Chui Tien Yu), 아론 유(Aaron Yoo), 아핀야 사쿨 자로엔석(Apinya Sakul Jaroensuk), 우에노 주리(Ueno Juri), 임회뢰(Kelly Lin), 제임스 카이슨 리(James Kyson Lee), 한세민(HAN Se-min)등이 참석했다.
Source: news.empas.com
Related article - October 1, 2008
Asian actors reach out at Pusan
APAN helps actors meet with filmmakers
By DARCY PAQUET
SEOUL -- Asian actors will be thick on the ground at the Pusan Intl. Film Festival, where organizers will host the launch of the Asia Pacific Actors Network.
Organized separately from the Star Summit Asia, which is part of the Asian Film Market, APAN tries to increase contacts between the region's thesps and producers, investors and directors.
Stars and filmmakers will be invited to attend a conference, banquet, red carpet event and party Friday, the second day of the festival, which ends Oct. 12. The network will also assemble a small fund, which will provide up-front financing to projects that bring together high-profile directors and talent.
Korean thesps Ahn Sung-ki ("Battle of Wits"), Park Joong-hoon ("The Truth About Charlie"), and Kang Su-yeon ("Surrogate Mother"), who will oversee APAN's launch, hope that the network will encourage a more integrated Asian film industry.
"Industries like Hollywood, the U.K. and Australia share a common language that makes it easier for stars to cross borders," says Park. "We picture APAN as a space where these sorts of exchanges can more easily take place."
Source: Variety.com
http://www.variety.com/index.asp?layout=festivals&jump=story&id=1061&articleid=VR1117973107
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Monday, 06 October 2008
Mirovision sells US remake rights for "Lover"
Korean distrib looking to up game with further international co-prods
Written by Han Sunhee
PUSAN - Korean producer and distributor Mirovision have sold remake rights for "Driving with My Wife's Lover" to U.S. management and production company Circle of Confusion.
Helmed by Kim Tae-sik, "Wife's Lover" is an independent feature which was screened at Sundance and Rotterdam in 2007. Pic deals with a story of a taxi driver who is jealous of his wife's affair with other man.
Mirovision initially revealed discussions with the U.S. firm a year ago, but finally completed the sale during the Asian Film Market in Pusan.
Mirovision also unveiled plans to produce "Tomorrow News," an action thriller based on a popular Korean comic series from the 1980s. The story involves strange radio broadcasts which report tomorrow's news beforehand and the catastrophic accidents which follow. Helmer Son Tae-woong ("The Cut") is attached and the film is currently in pre-production.
Company has been a regular investor in pics such as "Woman at the Beach" and "Antarctic Journey," but "Tomorrow News" is only the company's second Korean film as producer (after Park Joong-hoon starrer "Les Formidables" in 2006.) Mirovision is now looking for international investors from Japan and Europe for the $7 million pic.
"I hope this film will be a turning point for Mirovision," Mirovision prexy Jason Chae said. "I would like to focus more on the production side in the future, both Korean productions and international co-productions, while keeping going with the sales business."
Source: Variety Asia
http://varietyasiaonline.com/content/view/7141/ |
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NEWS INDEX page 54
October 2, 2008: 13th Pusan Film Festival Opens
Oct 3: Pusan International Film Festival Opens
Oct 5: Pusan honours Rising Stars
Oct 5: Song Hye Kyo Promotes Her Debut Hollywood Movie
Weekly Box Office 2008.10.03 ~ 2008.10.05
Oct 5: Son Ye-Jin "Lee Byung-Hun's Lover This Time"
Oct 6: CJ is productive at Pusan
Oct 5: Long-time actor gives life lessons (Lee Soon Jae)
Oct 6: Song Hye-kyo Unveils US Indie Film in Busan
Oct 6: 'Iljimae' to Air in Japan Starting November
Oct 6: Actress Bae Doo-na Cast in Koreeda's New Film
Oct 7: Choi Min-sik Rediscovers His Passion for Acting
Oct 7: Pusan International Film Festival Recovers From Actress' Suicide
Oct 7: Culture Cap plans "Winter Sonata" film
Oct 3: Rich aims to reach audience again - Singer Rich (Lee Dae-yong)
Oct 2: Asia's Biggest Pop Music Festival Kicks off in Seoul
Oct 7: It Will Be 'Rain'ing Again in Korea
Oct 7: Twelve Korean films sold at Asian film market
Oct 6: Interview from the drama set with Song Hye-gyo
Oct 7: Japanese Satellite TV to Hold 'Lee Byeong-heon Festival'
Oct 8: "Tokyo Girl" to open in South Korea
Oct 8: "Modern Boy" tops Korean B.O.
Oct 8: Korea's Son Dam-bi adds to "Hype"
Oct 8: BoA's U.S. Debut Song to be Distributed to 30 Countries
[ Last edited by katt at 9-10-2008 03:43 AM ] |
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October 2, 2008
13th Pusan Film Festival Opens
By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter
"The Gift to Stalin," the opening movie of the Pusan (Busan) International Film Festival (PIFF),
is screened at the Suyoung Bay Yacht Marina, Thursday. The largest Asian cinema event marks its 13th year
and will run through Oct.10, with more than 300 films from 60 countries
being screened for movie fans. /Korea Times
BUSAN _ The 13th Pusan (Busan) International Film Festival (PIFF) kicked off Thursday evening with the world premiere of "The Gift to Stalin" in this southern port city. It is Asia's largest cinema event, featuring a record number of 315 films from 60 countries including 85 world premieres over the nine-day run until Oct. 10.
While news of the death of top star Choi Jin-sil Thursday morning had many of the local press flocking back to Seoul, the ceremony at the Suyoung Bay Yacht Marina was well spotlighted as 100 or so top stars from near and far appeared on the red carpet. Festival director Kim Dong-ho expressed grief for Choi's death with festivalgoers.
The festive mood reached its full height nevertheless. With tasteful tungsten-hued lights and Latin music, the event took place under pleasant autumn weather conditions_ unlike last year, when rain and the "political" postponement by the sudden appearance of presidential candidates muddled the show.
Actors Jung Jin-young, who starred in the record-breaking film "King and the Clown" and most recently "Sunny," and Kim Jung-eun, heroine of the 2007 hit "Forever the Moment,'' hosted the event. Korean soprano Shin Young-ok, a regular at the New York Metropolitan Opera, graced the stage with "Nella Fantasia" from the movie soundtrack of "Mission" and "Habanera" from the opera "Carmen."
In attendance were Culture Minister Yu In-chon; Ko Heung-gil, head of the National Assembly's Culture, Sports, Tourism, Broadcasting and Communication Committee; Busan Mayor/PIFF festival chairman Hur Nam-sik and several members of the International Olympics Committee who were in town for the 4th Busan TAFISA World Sport for All Games.
The screening of 'The Gift to Stalin" by Rustem Adbrashev wrapped up the festivity. This is the first time for a small film from Kazakhstan to open PIFF, and what had been considered an "experimental" choice on the part of organizers proved to be a success as it set a new online sellout record of 90 seconds. The newly inserted system of allotting on-the-site reservations for those aged 50-plus and not Internet-savvy was also helpful to some, though PIFF needs to promote it better in future festivals.
Thursday also marked the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of an exclusive center for PIFF,
"Dureraum" or "together." The 162.4 billion won ($133 million) project by Austrian architect Coop Himmel will be house six theaters, a museum, exhibition halls and other offices.
"PIFF will finally have a permanent venue, which means it won't have to struggle to find a new one anymore," Busan Mayor Hur Nam-sik told reporters. The building is slated to open in October 2011 for the 16th PIFF.
PIFF closes Oct. 10 with the premiere of the South Korean film "I Am Happy." Directed by Yoon Jong-chan, it is about a dejected patient (hallyu star Hyun Bin) and heartbroken nurse (actress Lee Bo-young) who meet in a psychiatric ward.
Tickets will be available for purchase online (www.netmarble.net), offline ticket booths (host movie theaters, Bank of Busan, nationwide GS25 convenience store ATMs) and via a mobile service, "Mobile PIFF." Visit www.piff.org (Korean and English) for more information.
Credits: [email protected]
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2008/10/141_32078.html
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October 3, 2008
Pusan International Film Festival Opens
The thirteenth Pusan International Film Festival opened Thursday night in South Korea with more than a hundred top stars from South Korea and overseas in attendance.
China's portal Web site, Sina, reported that 315 films from 60 countries will be shown during the festival. The opening movie was Kazakh director Rustem Abdrashev's "The Gift to Stalin."
The film festival was overshadowed by the death of South Korean actress Choi Jin-sil, who committed suicide earlier that day. The audience observed a brief moment of silence for the popular star at the end of the opening ceremony.
Chinese actresses Li Xiaolu, Wang Luodan, actor Li Chen, and Taiwan actress Kelly Lin and actor Van Fan also attended the opening ceremony.
The film festival will end on October 10 with the closing film "I Am Happy" by South Korean director Yoon Jon-chan.
The Pusan International Film Festival, which began in 1996, has been one of the most important film festivals in Asia.
Source: CRIENGLISH.com
http://english.cri.cn/3086/2008/10/03/1461s411193.htm
Chinese actress Li Xiaolu poses for photos at the opening ceremony of the thirteenth Pusan International Film Festival on Thursday, October 2, 2008. [Photo: ent.sina.com.cn]
Taiwan actress Kelly Lin poses for photos at the opening ceremony of the thirteenth Pusan International Film Festival on Thursday, October 2, 2008. [Photo: ent.sina.com.cn]
South Korean actress Kim So-yeon poses for photos at the opening ceremony of the thirteenth Pusan International Film Festival on Thursday, October 2, 2008. [Photo: ent.sina.com.cn]
South Korean actress Park Eun-hye poses for photos at the opening ceremony of the thirteenth Pusan International Film Festival on Thursday, October 2, 2008. [Photo: mydaily]
South Korean actor Jang Dong-gun poses for photos at the opening ceremony of the thirteenth Pusan International Film Festival on Thursday, October 2, 2008. [Photo: mydaily]
South Korean actor Lee Dong-wook poses for photos at the opening ceremony of the thirteenth Pusan International Film Festival on Thursday, October 2, 2008. [Photo: mydaily]
The crew of the opening movie "The Gift to Stalin" pose for photos at the opening ceremony of the thirteenth Pusan International Film Festival on Thursday, October 2, 2008. [Photo: ent.sina.com.cn]
Jung Jin-yong (L) and Kim Jung-eun host the opening ceremony of the thirteenth Pusan International Film Festival on Thursday, October 2, 2008. [Photo: ent.sina.com.cn]
Festival director Kim Dong-ho leads the audience in observing a brief moment of silence for South Korean actress Choi Jin-sil at the opening ceremony of the thirteenth Pusan International Film Festival on Thursday, October 2, 2008. [Photo: photo.eastday.com]
Audience watch the opening movie of the thirteenth Pusan International Film Festival, "The Gift to Stalin," on Thursday, October 2, 2008. [Photo: photo.eastday.com] |
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Sunday, 05 October 2008
Pusan honours Rising Stars
Written by Marcus Lim
BUSAN – Local superstars including Lee Byung-hun and Jung Woo-sung turned up Saturday to honor upcoming talent at the Premiere Star Summit Asia.
The event was an amalgamation of two existing ceremonies, PIFF’s Star Summit Asia, and Premiere’s own annual Rising Star Awards. The merging of both came from budgetary cutbacks, and to prevent the sponsorship overlaps of previous years.
"The festival organization chose and invited Star Summit Asia guests, while Rising Star Awards winners were selected by Premiere. I think the merged events have more synergy effects than ever." Soyoung Sohn, the international coordinator of APAN told Variety.
The Rising Star Awards winners were selected through polls from professionals and observers of Korean film industry and online votes by audiences.
Korean actors Ha Jung-woo for "The Chaser" and Soo Aae for "Sunny" received the 4th Rising Star Awards while the director award went to helmer Won Shin-yun for “Seven Days”.
Others that were honoured include Choung Kyung-ho, Best actor for "Sunny", and Chung Yeo-won, who won the best actress award for "Two Faces of My Girlfriend".
The star-studded event saw notable Korean celebrities like "The Good the Bad and the Weird" helmer Kim Ji-woon, and actors Lee Byung-hun and Jung Woo-sung joining in the festivities. Korea's top music producer and composer JYP was also at the show.
Other guests included, Korean stars The Wonder Girls, Eugene("Heartbreak Library") and Lee Min-ki("Oishi Man"), Korean American actors Aaron Yoo, James Kyson Lee and Moon Bloodgood were included. Other Asian stars such as Li Xiaolu, Mercedes Cabral, Kelly Lin, Chui Tien Yu and Fan Wing were also introduced.
Source: Variety Asia, images from empas.com
http://varietyasiaonline.com/content/view/7128/53/ |
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October 5, 2008
Song Hye Kyo Promotes Her Debut Hollywood Movie
On October 5th 5pm, Korean star Song Hye Kyo attended the press conference of her first ever Hollywood film, “Make Yourself at Home“, held at the Pusan International Film Festival. Apart from the 3 leads of the movie, veteran actors Ahn Sung Gi and Kang Soo Yeon were also present to support this independent film.
Song Hye Kyo’s debut Hollywood film “Make Yourself at Home”, also known as “Fetish”, was first revealed at the 13th Pusan International Film Festival. US actress Athena Curry and actor Arno Frisch were there for promotion as well.
“Make Yourself at Home” is a joint-collaboration between South Korea and U.S. It talks about a soon-to-turn-witch woman who moves to America and even marries an American in order to escape her destiny to become a witch. However, she did not manage to escape her fate but instead begins a battle with christian devotees. Song Hye Kyo plays as the cold-blooded witch So Hee.
The following are excerpts from the press conference taken from SongHyeGyo.net:
- When reporters asked Athena Curry about Song Hye Kyo’s English competence, she replied, “It’s excellent.” Upon hearing Curry’s answer, Song Hye Kyo shyly laughed.
- In the movie, 80% of the lines are in English. When asked whether or not it was difficult, she replied “This is my first English speaking project. So I practiced a lot and had examinations during spare time. The staff were all Americans so they were like teachers to me. Each of them were so helpful, if my pronounciation was wrong they would correct it. I am truly grateful to them.”
- “After ‘HwangJini’ was finished, it was by mere chance that I saw the script [for 'Make Yourself at Home'] and I really liked it.”
- “People are calling the film my advancement to Hollywood but it’s actually an independent film from New York. I, along with the loving people of the movie were able to stand in front of the camera with no burdens and act naturally. If another opportunity arises, I’d like to do an independent film again.”
- Athena Curry said, “Song Hye Kyo never lost her professional attitude and always displayed a happy impression.” Fellow co-star Arno Frisch also complimented her by saying, “Song Hye Kyo did a wonderful job and I enjoyed working with her.”
Copied from hanfever.com, images from empas
http://www.hanfever.com/2008/10/06/song-hye-kyo-promotes-her-debut-hollywood-movie/
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 Weekly Box Office 2008.10.03 ~ 2008.10.05 3-day Gross/Total Gross (won)
1. Modern Boy (South Korea) 2,238,542,000 / 2,720,089,000
2. Mamma Mia! (U.S.) 1,645,860,000 / 23,286,661,000
3. GO GO 70s (South Korea) 1,495,873,000 / 1,926,225,000
4. The Divine Weapon (South Korea) 946,407,500 / 23,164,320,000
5. Babylon A.D. (U.S.) 853,902,000 / 1,002,960,000
6. The Truck (South Korea) 741,184,500 / 3,026,139,500
7. Hellboy 2: The Golden Army (U.S.) 549,811,500 / 2,258,982,000
8. Rough Cut (South Korea) 455,206,500 / 8,480,916,500
9. My Dear Enemy (South Korea) 349,453,000 / 2,156,606,000
10. Deception (U.S.) 265,268,500 / 319,728,000
Source: KOFIC |
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Thanks to the highlight by Hyc and translation by Helena at IRIS, original article from donga.com
Son Ye-Jin "Lee Byung-Hun's Lover This Time"
October 4, 2008 - Heroine of drama 'IRIS' is picked.
Son Ye-Jin becomes Lee Byung-Hun's woman. In spy drama 'IRIS' planned to broadcast in the 1st half of next year, Son Ye-Jin will play the role of National Secret Service (NSS) "Lee Myung-Hee".
'IRIS' will be joinly produced by director Kang Je-Kyu and Taewon Entertainment; it will be directed by PD Lee Hyung-Min of KBS2 TV 'I Am Sorry I Love You'. Filled with anticipation, it is a grand Korean drama with a production cost of 20 billion Won.
Son Ye-Jin gave a different image/performance in MBC drama "Spotlight" (ended in July) where she played the role of a society newsdesk reporter. In movie "My Wife Got Married" (opening on the 28th), she plays a married woman who would like to have a second husband.
After wrapping up related promotional works for movie "My Wife Got Married", Son Ye-Jin will officially start the filming activities. Son Ye-Jin said in a recent interview that the lower than expected rating of her previous drama 'Spotlight' makes her want to challenge the small screen again.
'IRIS' (20 episode) will be broadcasted in the first half of next year; filming will start in November. |
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Monday, 06 October 2008
CJ is productive at Pusan
Korean conglom announces slate of deals with Japan, Scandinavia
Written by Han Sunhee
PUSAN - CJ Entertainment completed a string of deals at Asian Film Market in Pusan.
The conglom made a video distribution deal with Japan's Fine Films for five titles, including "Hellcats" "Fly High" "Kidnapping Granny K" "My Son" and "Radio Star".
Hong Kong's Celestial Films picked the TV rights for "The Good The Bad The Weird" and "Fate". Nonstop Entertainment for Scandinavia acquired all rights of "The Good The Bad The Weird".
CJ Entertainment also completed with Nonstop Entertainment for TV deals of its total of 15 library titles, including "Blood Rain" "Arahan" "No Blood No Tears" among others.
Source: Variety Asia, image from empas.com
http://varietyasiaonline.com/content/view/7142/ |
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October 6, 2008
Song Hye-kyo Unveils US Indie Film in Busan
By Cathy Rose A. Garcia
Staff Reporter
.jpg)
Actress Song Hye-kyo
Hallyu star Song Hye-kyo unveiled her new movie "Make Yourself at Home," at the 13th Pusan (Busan) International Film Festival over the weekend.
Song, one of the best known Korean actresses in Asia, surprised many when she chose to work on an independent film by first-time Korean-American director Sohn Soo-pum.
"The film is not necessarily a Hollywood debut for me, rather it is an independent American movie," Song said, Sunday in Busan. "I was very comfortable acting because I was working with people who loved movies."
A joint U.S.-Korea production, "Make Yourself at Home" is described as a psychological thriller about a woman shaman Sook-hee, who chooses to live an ordinary life in the United States. She marries a Korean-American named Peter, played by Arno Frisch.
Song's character in the film is something of a femme fatale, a role that is new to the actress who has played mostly sweet, innocent characters in popular Korean dramas like "Full House" and "All In."
"The role was a challenge because it is a character that I have never played before. I didn't choose it to change my image, I chose the work because I liked the overall feeling I got from reading the scenario," Song said.
Song's dialogue in the film is about 80 percent in English. "It was really difficult. The staff all turned into English teachers and corrected my pronunciation. I am grateful to them," she said.
Her co-stars only had good things to say about Song. Firsch praised Song's professionalism on the set.
When asked about Song's English ability, co-star Athena Curry said it was "excellent."
Song admitted she hopes to make it in Hollywood, following in the steps of other Korean stars like Kim Yun-jin and Rain. "I believe that I can work hard to make it in Hollywood, by steadily making movies," she said.
Credits: [email protected], image from empas.com
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/special/2008/10/178_32210.html
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October 5, 2008
Long-time actor gives life lessons
Lee Soon-jae
On the last day of September, a classroom at Seoul National University’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences was filled with applause from hundreds of college students as they welcomed 73-year-old actor Lee Soon-jae to the podium.
The veteran actor, who’s been in the industry for 52 years, returned to his alma mater to offer some life lessons to the young students preparing for their futures beyond graduation.
Lee emphasized the importance of embracing both creativity and change. He pointed out that actors should be equipped with the creative power necessary to experience the “kaleidoscope of life.”
He then attributed his own longevity in showbiz to a fearless attitude toward change.
Over five decades, the versatile actor has starred in a variety of leading roles, being able to play both commoner and king. “Actors are always trying to build a new image. We can’t maintain a career if our image is fixed, so we have to leave room to improve ourselves and constantly create a fresh image.”
Lee also stressed that the students needed to lay the groundwork first. “Students attending a good school expect to become leaders. But to make it happen, you must focus more on the fundamentals,” Lee said.
He also fired a salvo at the commercialization of TV dramas these days that focus on audience ratings, and criticized many of today’s actors and actresses who neglect the principles of the art and instead chase after money.
Lee entered Seoul National University in 1954 and studied philosophy.
By Kang In-sik JoongAng Ilbo [[email protected]]
http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2895732 |
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October 6, 2008
'Iljimae' to Air in Japan Starting November
"Iljimae," a popular drama series on SBS which recorded an average viewer rating of 31.4%, will be aired in Japan. The drama series stars popular actor Lee Jun-ki.
The satellite channel So-net TV, which specializes in introducing Hallyu drama series through "Asia Dramatic TV," plans to air Iljimae in Japan starting November 24. "Mawang," a popular drama series that was recently remade in Japan, as well as "Lobbyist" and "Gyeongseong Gibang Movie Theater" will also be aired in Japan.
So-net TV opened an official website for Iljimae on October 10. It also plans to air a special documentary on the drama series on November 15.
Source: KBS Global
http://english.kbs.co.kr/entertainment/news/1549532_11858.html |
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October 6, 2008
Actress Bae Doo-na Cast in Koreeda's New Film
Actress Bae Doo-na has been cast as the heroine in world-renowned Japanese film director Hirokazu Koreeda's upcoming film. Koreeda, who is currently visiting the Pusan International Film Festival with his latest work "Aruitemo Aruitemo," told a magazine jointly published by Cine 21 and Hollywood Report magazines, that he has cast Bae as the heroine of his upcoming fantasy melodrama.
The film director explained that his new film is about a non-human entity that learns to open up to people, learn their language and learns to love. He also added that he is a huge fan of the Korean actress. It will be Bae's second role in a Japanese film since "Linda Linda Linda," a 2004 film directed by Nobuhiro Yama#a.
Koreeda became widely acknowleged through his 2004 film "Nobody Knows" which won an award for the Best Male Actor in a Leading Role.
Barunson Entertainment said details of the film, including the title, have yet to be confirmed. The film shoot will begin in December.
Source: KBS Global
http://english.kbs.co.kr/entertainment/news/1549523_11858.html |
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October 7, 2008
Choi Min-sik Rediscovers His Passion for Acting
Actor Choi Min-sik
“I felt like I was riding a new car just out of a warehouse, starting from zero mileage. Now my heart is full of all sorts of ambiguous emotions -- I’m proud, relieved and empty, as if a passionate love is over.” Thus Choi Min-sik after his first appearance in front of the audience after three years of absence. The star of “Old Boy” (2003) and “Sympathy for Lady Vengeance” (2005), Choi is known for his ability to captivate the audience with his charismatic acting.
But he has not been seen on screen since “Sympathy for Lady Vengeance,” which is what made his appearance at the open talk session during the Pusan International Film Festival on Monday afternoon even more special. Since his name was mentioned in a bitter diatribe by director Kang Woo-suk about the exorbitant fees top actors demand, Choi has scarcely appeared in public, except during the one-man relay demonstrations calling for the screen quota for Korean movies to be maintained.
But then Choi chose “Himalaya, Where the Wind Dwells” by Jeon Soo-il, who is known for his art-house films. In the movie, Choi visits a village in the Himalayas in order to deliver the remains of a migrant worker who died in an accident in Korea to his family. He is the only Korean in the film; the rest of the actors were locally cast.
In the last three years, Choi said, something huge and extraordinary swept through his life, and he realized acting is something that he loves and is passionate about. “I was thirsty, and I was hungry,” he says. He repeatedly stressed the word “starting point,” and emphasized that the struggling Korean movie industry should relax and start over. “I felt both scared and ecstatic in front of the imposing mountain range,” he recalled of the shoot. “It was an extremely difficult task, but I was happy to endure that hardship. No matter what the outcome may be, I am glad I chose this film.” The Himalayas movie is to be released in Korea next spring, and if all goes well will be submitted to the Berlin International Film Festival.
Credits: [email protected]
http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200810/200810070005.html |
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October 7, 2008
Pusan International Film Festival Recovers From Actress' Suicide
A heavy cloud descended on the Pusan International Film Festival last weekend due to the suicide of leading Korean actress Choi Jin-sil, but the event’s vigor and liveliness surfaced as movie stars from all over the world arrived.
The festival organizer’s intent to promote creative and noteworthy films instead of commercial successes was highly acclaimed, as was the goal of having the event serve as a forum for Asian actors and directors to unite and cooperate.
Unfortunately, lack of consideration for foreign visitors and several operational mistakes tarnished the image of Asia’s top film festival.
○ Opening films draw praise
The opening ceremony featured a variety of excellent Asian films, such as “The Gift to Stalin (Kazakhstan),” “Dada’s Dance (China),” “Kanchivaram (India),” and “Two Footed Horse (Iran),” representing the identity and values the festival sought.
The audience also got a chance to broaden their horizons through “new frontier films” that they normally would not have had access to.
A forum on an Asian film fund gave an overview of the financing market for Asian films. At the Asia-Pacific Actors Network Conference presided by veteran Korean stars Ahn Sung-ki and Kang Su-yeon, rising Korean-American talents Moon Bloodgood and Aaron Yoo were hailed as “Asian actors with potential.”
Korean actress Han Chae-young also advanced to the New Zealand film industry under a film co-production agreement prior to the festival. Actress Song Hye-gyo’s Hollywood debut in the indie movie “Make Yourself at Home (originally “Fetish”)” also created a vivacious atmosphere.
○ Operational gaffes
A slew of mistakes arising from poor management and preparation damaged the festival’s reputation. The 13th edition of the annual event had a budget of 9.5 billion won (7.46 million U.S. dollars).
A power outage occurred Saturday during the screening of the Japanese animated film “The Sky Crawlers” on an outside screen. The organizers failed to promptly respond and drew numerous audience complaints.
A Canadian tourist also cited lack of service for foreigners on the festival’s online ticketing section.
New York entertainment reporter Christopher Prunes also complained that he could not get a ticket for the movie he wanted to cover.
Source: The Dong-A Ilbo
http://english.donga.com/srv/service.php3?bicode=130000&biid=2008100769298
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Tuesday, 07 October 2008
Culture Cap plans "Winter Sonata" film
Korean shingle pacts with Japanese finance to remake hit TV drama
Written by Han Sunhee
PUSAN - Korean production company Culture Cap Media has exchanged an MOU with investment management company Kara Holdings Korea and Japanese film development and finance company Entertainment Farm in Pusan, to produce a feature film based on mega hit Korean Wave drama, "Winter Sonata".
Choi Soon-sik, prexy of Culture Cap Media told Variety that the company is currently holding film rights to the hit TV drama, and is preparing the feature film as a Korea-Japan co-production. Culture Cap Media will handle the production process, while Entertainment Farm will be involved as an investor and a co-production partner.
Casting details have not been confirmed yet although Choi mentioned that "Winter Sonata" star Bae Yong-joon and Choi Ji-woo will not be involved in the film production. The company is also prepping the film version of "Autumn in My Heart", the 2000 drama series from broadcaster KBS.
Source: Variety Asia
http://varietyasiaonline.com/content/view/7152/ |
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