Two Busan-based directors are set to embark on an international filmmaking journey, with director Kwon Yong-jin heading to Cannes in France and director Lee Si-o to Quezon, Philippines, as part of the 2025 UNESCO Creative Cities of Film Residency Film Production Project. This initiative, spearheaded by Busan, aims to foster local filmmaking talent through global collaboration.

On Friday, the Busan Metropolitan Government confirmed the participants and partner cities for this project, designed to give a platform for filmmakers to produce new works in renowned film cities.

Since its inception in 2017, the Residency Film Production Project has supported filmmakers from Busan and other international UNESCO Creative Cities of Film, including Galway, Ireland; Santos, Brazil; Fukuoka, Japan and Rome. The program has contributed to Busan filmmakers achieving global recognition and garnering awards at major international festivals.

Kwon, a student studying filmmaking at Pusan National University, will work on a new film in Cannes. Kwon gained recognition for his feature film “On a Beautiful Day in October” (2024), which impressed juries and established him as a significant force in the Busan film scene. His short film “Offside!” explored cinematic self-reflexivity, setting high expectations for his upcoming project.

Lee, known for the short film "Our Neighborhood" (2019), has consistently showcased new works through the Independent Film Festival Busan. With a strong background in narrative filmmaking, Lee is poised to complete a short fiction film in Quezon, the city of Busan said.

The films produced through this year’s residency will premiere at the ninth Busan Inter-City Film Festival, scheduled from Aug. 29 to 31. The festival is expected to further strengthen collaboration between local and international film organizations. The festival will feature about 30 films from 10 cities, including Galway, Santos, Gdynia, Poland and Yamagata, Japan.

Cho Yu-jang, head of the Busan’s culture bureau, emphasized the project’s importance as a platform for local artists to demonstrate their capabilities internationally.

"We will continue to expand creative international exchanges and provide more opportunities for local creators to connect with audiences,” Cho said.

By Baek Byung-yeul

The Korea Times (click)