BUSAN, South Korea (Reuters) — The 21st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) opened in South Korea’s southeastern port city on Thursday (October 6) a day after Typhoon Chaba hit the region, leaving at least five people dead.
Celebrities dazzled on the red carpet for the start of the film festival, one of Asia’s largest film events.
Movie stars including Japanese actor Watanabe Ken, K-pop boy band SHINee’s member Minho, and Hong Kong actress Kara Wai walked the red carpet and greeted the large crowds gathered outside the venue.
“We will screen a total of 299 films from 69 countries at this year’s Busan International Film Festival. 95 films will make the world premiere (at the film festival) and 30 of them are foreign films,” said BIFF programmer, Park Do-shin.
Over 5,000 filmmakers, entertainers, and fans gathered at the Busan Cinema Center to celebrate the start of the 10-day film festival, which was founded in 1996.
Huge crowds from home and abroad cheered for celebrities as they walked down to the red carpet to the ceremony venue.
“I failed to buy a ticket so I could not enter the venue (for the opening ceremony). However, I still feel very good because I could see that from outside. Even though there must have been difficulties after a typhoon hit the city, but I really hope the Busan film festival finish well,” said 28-year-old South Korean Park Chan-hee.
Typhoon Chaba battered southern parts of South Korea on Wednesday (October 5) with violent winds and heavy rains, leaving at least five people dead, according to media reports, and flooding the country’s main port, industrial cities and major factories.
“It’s amazing to be here I really feel wonderful,” said 49-year-old Chona Martinez from the Philippines.
BIFF runs till October 15.
