Director Park Chan-wook says he’s honored that his new film, "No Other Choice," has been chosen as the opening title for the Busan International Film Festival’s 30th anniversary edition.
Speaking at a production briefing for "No Other Choice" at CGV Yongsan in Seoul on the morning of the 19th, Park joked about his return to the global festival circuit. "At my age, everything I do seems to be ‘for the first time in 20 years,’" he quipped. "It’s true this is my first time back in Venice competition since ‘Lady Vengeance’ (2005), but I was at Venice in the non-competition lineup with ‘Three... Extremes’ (2004) and I’ve also served as a juror. With BIFF turning 30 this year, being invited to open the festival feels especially meaningful and honorable."
"No Other Choice" has been selected to compete at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, which opens Aug. 27. It marks Park’s first return to Venice’s main competition in 20 years, since "Lady Vengeance." Over the past two decades, Park has premiered most of his major works at Cannes, beginning with "Oldboy" (2003), which won the Grand Prix. With his return to Venice, expectations for awards are running high.
The film is also set to open this year’s Busan International Film Festival―now celebrating its 30th edition―underscoring the moment’s significance for one of Korea’s most influential auteurs.
"No Other Choice" hits theaters in September.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)