PUSAN FILM FESTIVAL TO OFFER RECORD NUMBER OF PREMIERES

By Agence France-Presse, Updated: 9/7/2010

Pusan film festival to offer record number of premieres

One of Asia's most prestigious film festivals will feature a record number of world premieres when it gets under way next month for a 15th year, organisers said Tuesday.

Pusan film festival to offer record number of premieres

The Pusan International Film Festival, to be held in South Korea's southern city of Busan from October 7-15, will feature 308 movies from 67 countries.

Organisers said 103 films would have their first public screening at the festival, which focuses on discovering new movies and first-time directors from across Asia.

Another 52 films which were only previously screened in their countries of origin would make their international debut in Busan.

"Under the Hawthorn Tree", a Chinese film directed by Zhang Yimou, who also directed the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, will open the festival.

It will close with "Camellia", an omnibus film of three separate short pieces about the city of Busan directed by Wisit Sasanatieng of Thailand, Isao Yukisada of Japan and Jang Jun-Hwan of South Korea.

"This year is for discovering new directors who will lead the future of the film industry. This will provide an opportunity for the films to become more contemporary and more revolutionary," organisers said in a statement.

The Iranian director Abbas Kiarostami will lead an education programme for young aspiring filmmakers from 16 countries. His "Certified Copy" earned its lead actress Juliette Binoche the Best Actress award at this year's Cannes Film Festival.

Invited guests include French actress Binoche, British actress Jane March, Tang Wei of China, Japanese actress Miyazaki Aoi and directors such as Oliver Stone of the United States, Spain's Carlos Saura and Ann Hui of Hong Kong.

The festival will also include a forum on the illegal distribution of movies over the Internet, which is severely damaging the industry.

Taiwanese director Tsai Ming Liang has been chosen as Asian Filmmaker of the Year for his work in pioneering unexplored areas that overcome the limitations of the art film industry.

5TH ASIAN FILM ACADEMY

Pusan International Film Festival in Korea holds its 5th Asian Film Academy (AFA2009) this year.Having its fifth edition this year, AFA has helped young talents find their identity as Asian filmmakers. AFA has provided meeting ground such as workshop, master class, mentoring, short-film production for young and established filmmakers to work together as well as to exchange their thoughts and visions. And it is such a special experiences for them to make own their film under the direction of the prominent Asian directors and talented faculty staffs.AFA has grown into the center of the Asian Film Network where the talented young Asian filmmakers dream of their future together.

Dongseo University, Korean Film Council Korean Academy of Film Arts, and Pusan International Film Festival are the co-host of AFA.

AFA 2009 will be held for 17 days from October 1 to 17. Application period will be from April 14 to May 30, 2009. Applicants for the program should summit application form, other requested documents and portfolio to AFA office (T. 82-2-3675-5097, F. 82-2-3675-5098, afa@piff.org). Please see the detailed information in guideline at AFA website (http://afa.piff.org).

1. Eligibility
 Who has an UN defined Asian nationality (18 years old or older) seeking one's dream and future in film
 Who has professional experience in directing, cinematography, editing or sound design at least for two short films or has worked as a main staff more than one feature film
 Who can communicate in English
 Who submits all required documents and supporting materials
 Who can diligently attend all programs during the 17 days session
 Who has never attended AFA before

2. How to Apply
AFA 2009 will be held for 17 days from October 1 to 17.
Application period will be from April 1 to May 30, 2009.

Applicants should mail their application package including a completed application form to AFA office with address below.
The application form is available at http://afa.piff.org
After mailing your application, please notify AFA in e-mail that you have done so. (afa@piff.org)

 - A completed application
 - Personal statement should be up to 2 pages in A4. Your statement should have;
. introduction of yourself in relation to film work
. why you wish to attend AFA
. your future plans in film work
 - A letter of recommendation: A letter from someone who can certify the applicant's ability and enthusiasm for filmmaking.
(including the recommender's phone number and e-mail address)
 - Portfolio: VHS or DVD format of your film that you worked as a director, cinematographer or a main member of film crew.

* Please let us know if it is NTSC or PAL before you submit your portfolio
* If the language of your portfolio is not English, please send us English subtitled version or summit with English script.