Busan Fest showcases latest in Asian cinema

Members of “Zubaan” attend a press conference at the Busan International Film Festival on Oct 1. From left are director Mozez Sing, actors Sarah-Jane Dias, Vicky Kaushal and Raaghav Chanana. / Yonhap

By Jason Bechervaise

BUSAN ― Now in its 20th year, the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) has achieved extraordinary success in becoming one of the most significant film festivals in Asia. Festivals in Europe such as Berlin, Cannes and Venice have been around for much longer, making BIFF’s growth all the more notable.

In some ways, looking at the growth of the festival, it correlates with the ever increasing prominence of Korean cinema at both local and international levels. As such, Korean films play a central part in the program with a section dedicated to Korean cinema showcasing the latest in commercial and independent Korean film. However, Busan remains a festival that screens films from all over the world, especially from Asia, as is evident with the film’s opening film “Zubaan” from India.

“Reach for the SKY” directed by Choi Woo-young and Steven Dhoedt follows a number of students who take the Korean College Entrance Exam. / Courtesy of BIFF

Directed by Mozez Singh, his feature debut, the film follows a young man called Dilsher (Vicky Kaushal) as he moves to Delhi in search of prosperity and begins working for a corporate head, GurcharanSikand (Manish Chaudhari), who is keen to employ him. He encounters strong opposition from Gurcharan’s family, and later discovers his true calling in life.

Akin to many Bollywood films, it includes a number of musical numbers, and the film is full of color and vibrancy, but it’s wholly accessible and engaging. We can all relate to the protagonist’s quest to find value and meaning in one’s life and perhaps identify with the obstacles and distractions that often stand in the way.

Indonesian filmmaker Joko Anwar’s fifth feature “A Copy of My Mind” screens in Busan following invitations to Venice and Toronto. / Courtesy of BIFF

The film is also handsomely produced with excellent cinematography, and the soundtrack resonates in equal measure. The acting by the leads is also convincing, adding to the overall quality of the feature.

Also from India is a film called “Radio Set,” which is an enchanting film directed by Hari Viswanath. Screening in ‘”New Currents” ― the festival’s main competition section ― the film tells the story of an elderly man who finds happiness when he listens to a radio handed down to him from his father. But when his insensitive son destroys the radio, not knowing what it means to him, he loses the one thing that brought him so much joy. After several years have passed, he begins to hear the radio again, but his family believes he’s unwell and takes him to get treated.

Actress Jeon Do-yeon greets the audience at the Open Talk event held at BIFF, Sunday. / Yonhap

Sometimes filmmakers attempt to tell elaborate stories, but what’s often refreshing is when a director can find a relatively simple but touching narrative and convey it well. This is true of “Radio Set,” which is well performed, shot and told leaving a lasting impression, making it one of the most enjoyable films in the New Currents section this year.

Looking at the program for A Window on Asian Cinema, Joko Anwar’s “A Copy of My Mind” is an accomplished feature film having already made its mark on the festival circuit premiering in Venice and also having been screened in Toronto in September.

Set in Jakarta, this Indonesian and South Korean co-production follows a young man and woman who fall in love. Alek (Chicco Jerikho) produces subtitles for illegal DVDs while the woman, Sari (Tara Basro), pops pimples at a beauty salon during the day, and in the evening, watches pirated copies in her small room. When a problem with the subtitles brings them together, they begin to form a relationship, but problems arise after Sari steals a DVD from a customer.

Already a highly regarded filmmaker in Indonesia, Joko Anwar (“The Forbidden Door” (2009)) is set to build on his strong reputation, especially on the international market, with this engrossing drama that tackles the difficulties faced by those struggling to make ends meet in Jakarta. It also makes reference to political corruption, especially in regard to the 2014 presidential campaign.

Of the documentaries being shown, one film that is likely to break out is the excellent “Reach for the SKY” about the college entrance exam (Suneung) all Korean high school students take. Directed by Choi Woo-young and Belgian filmmaker Steven Dhoedt, it documents the journey students embark upon when taking this exam that will dictate which universities will accept them.

It provides a fascinating glimpse into the effects this test has on students, parents and society as a whole, and in so doing, reveals the immense pressure it places on students, a deep concern of many.

The title is most apt ― SKY refers to Seoul National University, Korea University and Yonsei University.

BIFF runs through October 10. More details about this year’s festival can be found on their website: www.biff.kr.