For movie buffs, who thronged at the fest, the sight ofveteran film maker Kim Ki-duk was an unusual yet welcome one. Milling aboutwith his translator Joo Hee Ann, he readily exchanged views and affablyaccepted criticism from members of the public.
Categorising his work as art-house cinema, Ki-duk has seenhis style of filmmaking evolve over the years. His latest production ‘Pieta’recently captured the Golden Lion Award for Best Film at the 69th VeniceInternational Film Festival, 2012. When asked about his views on the film,Ki-duk responds, “The key notes that the film touches on are 'intensivecapitalism'. It also has a certain level of an autobiographical undertone.”Pieta was the first ever Korean film to have won the honour.
Pieta is the eighteenth of Ki-duk’s productions, but this isfar from his first experience when it comes to having his films screened in thecountry. Several of his movies have been showcased at the ‘International FilmFestival of Kerala’ held at Thiruvananthapuram. “It is a huge honour for me tohave received this kind of attention from the industry. In the past I havefaced a fair amount of criticism because of certain scenes in my films whichhave not always appealed to all audiences. But India has been extremelyresponsive to my work, and I am deeply touched."
Asked whether he referred to ‘The British Board of FilmClassification’ delaying the release of his film ‘The Isle’, in the year 2000,because of cited cases of animal cruelty, he replies in the affirmative. “Ihave matured since then as a filmmaker, and have grown. That is reflected in mywork, which is why I am humbled by the acceptance of the fraternity in India.”
Kim goes on to add that the success of filmmakers atfestivals such as these is completely dependent upon their audience. “Toleranceis the key in my opinion. This is especially true in the case of art housecinema. There are bound to be cultural differences, and maybe a section of thepublic will have a problem with what is on screen. But if they can broadentheir horizons to what is acceptable in different countries, we will see filmpossibly enter a very good era."
While his visit to India was a mark of how established he isin the film industry, his recent achievements have propelled him to thespotlight in his native Korea as well. Shortly before his departure to India,Kim was bestowed with the 'Order of Cultural Merit' by his national government.
