The Troops Rally to Support BIFF

A few weeks ago I posted a little something about the trouble in Busan regarding the Director of BIFF, Lee Yong-kwan, being pressured by the Lord Mayor of Busan City to stand down from his position one year earlier than the expiry of his contract. The reason? because his festival showed the documentary 'Diving Bell' or 'The Truth Shall Nit Sink With Sewol' when the city had expressly requested that the festival not show the film. (read here for the background)

This is dangerous ground when politics expresses a desire to influence an independent film festival of international repute. Princess Park is putting her finger indirectly into the pie where she is most unwelcome. There has been an international response from festival directors, filmmakers and cineastes to the political manoeuvrings happening in the south of Korea.

Rather than bang on about stuff more eloquently written elsewhere here is a link that contains what the Director's of Cannes & Venice film Festivals say and what some of the filmmakers are saying in statements of support for BIFF and its director Lee Yong-kwan.
In English
In Korean
And another in English that also broadens the debate beyond Busan
Watch this space!

Lee Yong Kwan's domestic troubles are gaining International support