Spring film festivals delayed over COVID-19
By Kwak Yeon-soo
A string of spring film festivals have been delayed amid the spread of COVID-19. The postponement of numerous film-related events is raising questions over the viability of the Jeonju International Film Festival, which is set to take place in just seven weeks.
Seoul Independent Documentary Film Festival, originally slated for March 26-April 1, has been postponed to take place May 28-June 3.
“To help protect our staff and attendees from COVID-19, we have decided to postpone this year's festival,” the organizing committee said in a statement.
Additionally, the 25th annual Chunsa Film Art Awards, originally scheduled for April, has been postponed to June in light of the growing health hazard, organizers said Monday. The new dates have yet to be announced.
“Bong Joon-ho's four Oscar wins and Hong Sang-soo's Silver Bear award at the Berlin International Film Festival have opened a new era for Korea's film industry. But with the outbreak of COVID-19, it's time to take a short hiatus,” festival director Yang Yun-ho said.
According to the festival organizers, a total of 24 films were nominated for 10 categories. The Action-comedy film “Exit” got the most nominations, followed by “The Man Standing Next,” “Forbidden Dream” and “House of Hummingbird” that were each nominated for five categories.
Poster for the 20th Jeonju International Film Festival held from May 2 to 11, 2019 / Korea Times file
Organizers of the Ulju Mountain Film Festival, which was planned to take place April 3-7, have decided to postpone the event to Oct. 23-27.
“We have been making preparations for the festival opening this April, and regret to inform you that the 5th Ulju Mountain Film Festival has been postponed due to the spread of COVID-19,” the festival organization said in a statement.
“We greatly appreciate all of your support from the international and communal filmmakers and mountaineers.”
Meanwhile, organizers of the Jeonju Int'l Film Festival said they will hold a committee meeting on March 10 to decide on whether or not to postpone the 2020 festival date.
“As of today, it is still too early to make assumptions on the postponement of the event. The final decision will be announced by Thursday after careful consultation with our committee members,” a JIFF official said.
“We are closely monitoring developments related to COVID-19.”
The festival is scheduled to take place April 30-May 9.
The official added that festival staff will continue to prepare for the event although the volunteer application process has been delayed for 10 days. The festival and staff will take all necessary measures to ensure the protection of all attendees.