'Fiction is fiction': BIFF jurors defend 'The Assassin(s)' from historical distortion accusations

The 31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) has become a focal point for debate surrounding artistic freedom and historical interpretation following intense scrutiny of the film “The Assassin(s).” This feature, which dramatizes the 1974 assassination attempt on South Korean President Park Chung Hee, has sparked controversy due to its narrative suggesting possible governmental involvement, a claim that has drawn ire from conservative groups.

In response to the backlash, several key participants associated with the film, including its director and principal actors Yoo Hae-jin, Park Hae-il, and Lee Min-ho, withdrew from scheduled appearances at the festival. Additionally, a public screening organized by the Busan Film Commission was also canceled, with Hive Media Corp, the film’s production and distribution company, citing concerns over safety as the primary reason for these actions.

Amid the dispute, members of the BIFF main competition jury have spoken out in defense of cinematic creativity, emphasizing that feature films should not be conflated with historical records or political manifestos. Zhang Yimou, the jury president and a celebrated filmmaker known for tackling sensitive themes, highlighted that fiction inevitably invites diverse interpretations and does not assert factual accuracy. Zhang, who has firsthand experience with politically charged cinema—his film “To Live” was famously banned in China—underscored the importance of art in engaging contemporary audiences, regardless of historical fidelity.

Jury member July Jung, recognized for her Cannes-selected film “Next Sohee,” expressed personal unease at the intensity of the discourse, despite not being involved with “The Assassin(s).” Reflecting on her own work that draws from a tragic real-life event, Jung acknowledged the responsibility filmmakers bear to weigh the potential impact of their stories, while voicing a hope for continued creative output in the face of controversy.

The 31st BIFF, only the festival’s second year featuring a main competition section, is notable for offering the winning film a qualification to contend in the Academy Awards’ Best International Feature Film category. The jury, composed of seven members including filmmakers Bi Gan and Kei Ishikawa, as well as actors Samal Yeslyamova and Choi Hee-seo, is tasked with selecting a victor from 13 entries, with the announcement slated for October 15.

Bi Gan, acclaimed for his Cannes-recognized science fiction works, spoke about seeking films that transcend personal experience and evoke profound emotional connections. Concurrently, Choi Hee-seo, a past recipient of BIFF’s Actress of the Year accolade, described her appreciation for films that provoke reflection rather than provide definitive answers, recounting how cinema can catalyze meaningful conversations, as exemplified in her recent viewing of Lee Chang-dong’s “Possible Love.”

This year’s festival is expansive, featuring 316 films from 59 countries, including 95 world premieres, screened across multiple venues in Busan. Zhang expressed optimism about the growing international stature of Korean and Asian cinema, emphasizing the festival’s role in showcasing the region’s distinctive storytelling to global audiences.

The controversy surrounding “The Assassin(s)” has highlighted enduring tensions between artistic expression and political sensitivities within South Korea’s cinematic landscape. While definitive resolution remains elusive, BIFF’s jurors advocate for maintaining a space where filmmakers can explore complex narratives without being constrained by demands for historical exactitude or political alignment.

As the festival progresses, the outcome of the competition and the broader conversations it inspires will likely continue to influence perceptions of cinema’s role in reflecting and challenging societal narratives. Details on the final jury decision and its implications remain forthcoming.