South Korean President Lee Jae Myung made a strong commitment to support the country's struggling film industry during his visit to the 30th Busan International Film Festival on Saturday. The president promised that his administration would provide comprehensive assistance to revitalize the nation's film production ecosystem and ensure sustainable industry growth.
Lee delivered these remarks during a post-screening discussion with audience members after watching "Time of Cinema," a reflective film that explores the cultural significance of cinema and movie theaters in contemporary society. The screening took place in the southeastern coastal city of Busan, which serves as the host location for Asia's most prestigious film festival. First Lady Kim Hea Kyung accompanied the president during his festival visit.
"I heard that the recent Korean film production ecosystem is deteriorating," President Lee acknowledged during his address to the audience. "The government will provide sufficient support and attention to ensure that the industry can grow strongly from the ground up." He emphasized the critical importance of the film sector to South Korea's cultural and economic landscape, stating, "Film is a kind of comprehensive art, and many people depend on it for their livelihood. I consider it a very large industry."
The president's visit to the festival was strategically designed to demonstrate the government's renewed commitment to the entertainment sector. According to the presidential office, Lee's attendance was intended "to convey the government's interest in and commitment to actively supporting the film and video industry." This public show of support comes at a crucial time when South Korea's film industry faces significant challenges, including reduced production budgets, fewer theatrical releases, and increased competition from streaming platforms.
The 30th edition of the Busan International Film Festival launched its ambitious 10-day program on Wednesday, showcasing an impressive lineup of 328 films from around the world. The festival's diverse programming includes selections for the Community BIFF, a citizen-driven initiative that highlights local and independent filmmaking. This milestone anniversary edition represents three decades of the festival's evolution into one of Asia's most influential cinema events, attracting industry professionals, filmmakers, and movie enthusiasts from across the globe.
