▲ President Lee Jae-myung delivers the opening speech at the Lumière Summit, an international film and video summit held at the Fondation Maeght in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, southern France, on the 7th local time.
President Lee Jae-myung, who is currently making a state visit to France, attended the Lumière Summit, an international film and video summit held in Saint-Paul-de-Vence in southern France on the 7th local time.
Serving as co-chair of the summit, President Lee announced in his opening speech that South Korea and France have agreed to launch the "Lumière Partnership," a global film and video industry investment cooperation initiative, on the occasion of this event.
President Lee stated, "Through this, South Korea and France will each invest 800 billion won and 500 million euros in the film and video industry over the next five years," adding, "I hope this partnership goes beyond bilateral relations to become a light that illuminates a new future for the global film and video industry."
In particular, as conditions in the film industry have recently become challenging, President Lee emphasized, "It is time to pool our wisdom together to turn this change into an opportunity rather than a crisis."
First, President Lee diagnosed, "Now is a crisis for theaters. Passing through the pandemic, there has been a major shift in the pattern of watching films together, and with the spread of OTT (Over-the-Top) services, viewing frequency has decreased significantly."
He also explained that the emergence of such global OTT services has brought new challenges, such as the diminished influence of local broadcasters and content producers.
He pointed out that the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) is also an opportunity to create innovative changes, but it leaves behind homework such as a reduction in industry jobs and copyright issues, explaining that securing the diversity of independent films is equally important.
In this regard, President Lee promised, "As a core nation in the global AI supply chain, South Korea will fulfill its responsibility so that humans and AI can harmoniously coexist," and added, "Multilateral cooperation is necessary so that more independent films can be continuously produced. South Korea will also become a steadfast partner for independent films."
Regarding local content, he said, "South Korea will play a role in ensuring that the coexistence and harmony of local and global become the primary principle of the film industry."
Meanwhile, President Lee reflected, "The year 2026 marks the 100th anniversary of the release of Na Woon-gyu's 'Arirang,' holding special significance for South Korean film history as well."
He then introduced the subsequent development of South Korea's film industry, stating, "'Parasite,' which unraveled the class issues of South Korean society, and director Lee Chang-dong's 'Burning' both advanced to the Cannes Film Festival and elevated the standing of South Korean cinema, while 'Kingdom' and 'KPop Demon Hunters' made traditional Joseon hats, gat, and Korean culture known worldwide."
(Photo: Yonhap News)
※
Copying, redistribution, and unauthorized use in AI training are strictly prohibited.