Director Jeong Ju-ri speaks out amid "The Assassin(s)" controversy: "A film is a film… it feels stifling" [31st BIFF]

*This content was translated by AI.

The jury members of the Busan International Film Festival competitive section shared their thoughts on historical facts and creative freedom.

A press conference for the competitive section jury of the 31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) was held at the Cinema Hall in Haeundae-gu, Busan on the 7th. Attendees included Director Zhang Yimou Shim Sa-wi (Director), Director Bi Gan, actress Samal Yeslamova, Director Ishikawa Kei, Director Jeong Ju-ri, Vietnamese producer Tran Thi Big Ngoc, and actress Choi Hee-seo.

On this day, questions were raised regarding the boundary between historical facts and creative freedom in connection with recent controversies surrounding "The Assassin(s)."

Director Jeong Ju-ri stated, "I also made a film based on real events and met with audiences," adding, "A film is a film, and I have never wavered in my belief that it ultimately features fictional stories and fictional characters."

However, she also shared the complex feelings she experienced while watching recent controversies. Director Jeong said, "Even though it is not my film, as someone who makes films, I feel quite stifled," explaining, "I think there may be people who are hurt by the film, and that pain may find expression."

She continued, "On the other hand, when faced with such reactions, it is true that as a creator, I worry about how to express things next time," adding, "Those who make films bear full responsibility within their works. I hope we can continue the process of meeting audiences, hearing criticism, and gaining empathy."

Director Zhang Yimou also viewed it as difficult to define the relationship between creation and historical facts by a single standard.

Director Zhang Yimou said, "It is hard to explain in a word. Creation is creation, and one cannot say that creation is truth itself," adding, "In the film industry, there is a common saying that while being based on life, one must transcend it."

He continued, "From the audience's perspective, I think there can be debate over what constitutes the true historical truth," explaining, "Rather, such aspects may become the interest and appeal of a film."

He then stated, "While respecting creators, I believe history is a story of the past, and art is a way of bringing it to reality to speak to people today," adding, "In the process of history approaching us in the present through artistic form, what each audience member feels may differ."

He added, "One may not agree with other audiences' opinions, but I think that itself is part of the appeal of film."

Meanwhile, "The Assassin(s)" is a film that traces the suspicions and masterminds behind the 1974 assassination attempt on First Lady Yuh Young-soo. Since its release on the 23rd of last month, controversy has continued as political circles and related organizations have raised criticism of historical distortion over some settings in the film.

In the aftermath of the controversy, all official events related to "The Assassin(s)" scheduled at the Busan International Film Festival were canceled.

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*This content was translated by AI.