Young Woo-kim, the representative of Busan Film Festival, was a guest of this year’s Fajr Filmfest. His colleague Kim Ji-seok passed away last year during the Cannes Film Festival. Young replaced Kim as the new representative of Busan festival:
Tell us more about yourself?
I heard a lot about Fajr International Film Festival. Busan and Farabi Cinema Foundation have a long history of cooperation and friendship. Every time Kim to Fajr, it was all for reinforcing that special relationship, plus doing research on Iranian cinema and finding new talent.
Shortlisting of Iranian movies, how does it work for you?
Shortlisting of movies is a complicated process. I’ve watched some Iranian movies. I look for different genres. But I can’t mention the name. It’s like a secret. I was trying to watch some new films in the Film Market. We also some information on DVD. Also, I try to get information about new projects. We have a good line-up this year from Iran. I have a good vibe about Iranian cinema.
Tell us about Kim Ji-seok.
When we opened the Busan Film Festival in 1996, Kim was like a teacher to us. He introduced many Asian directors and Iranian pioneers like Jafar Panahi and Abbas Kiarostami to Korean movie goers. He and Kiarostami were friends. It’s because of him we know so many Iranian directors in Busan. He did a fine job for our festival.
With director Reza Mirkarimi at helm of 2018, Fajr Filmfest heralded stronger comebacks from Asia, Europe and Middle East. Whatever one says of Middle East cinema and its power rankings, the region’s best and most powerful showcase for cinema is, has been, and for all foreseeable time will be this festival, which ran in Charsou Cineplex and other venues in the Iranian capital until April 27. Vahdat Hall hosted the awards ceremony, which was attended by Iranian officials and international filmmakers and guests, including Culture Minister Seyyed Abbas Salehi and American filmmaker Oliver Stone.
