[Photo&] Ahn Sung-ki’s Son Wears His Father’s Tuxedo and Accepts in His Place — Jeonju International Film Festival Opening Ceremony现场

The 27th Jeonju International Film Festival Opens, a Heavy Prelude in Tribute to the Late Ahn Sung-ki

With the slogan 'We Never Cross the Line', the 27th 'Jeonju International Film Festival' opened in grand style. The highlight of the opening ceremony held on the 29th at the Korea Sound Culture Center was, without a doubt, a heartfelt tribute to 'Ahn Sung-ki', a giant of the Korean film world who has passed away. Stepping in as the delegate to receive the Special Commendation Award, his son 'Philip Ahn' took the stage wearing the 'tuxedo' his father had worn for over 20 years, delivering a deeply moving moment. By praising the people who continued to show him unwavering love, he left a lingering sense of emotion at the festival’s very opening.

A Global Film Festival of 237 Films That Transcends Borders and Genre

The opening ceremony was hosted by actors 'Shin Hyun-joon' and 'Ko Won-hee', raising the event’s stature with a steady, confident flow. Together, they announced the opening of a new film world that goes beyond formality and borders, as this year’s festival presents a vibrant lineup of 237 works invited from 54 countries around the globe, filling the Jeonju Film Street area with the intense energy of film fans. With celebratory performances by Oh Ji-eun and the rousing opening declaration from the festival’s organizing committee chair, Woo Bum-gi, the full-fledged journey of ten days began.

Special Sections with Standout Original Perspectives and a Variety of Side Events

Key film figures at home and abroad, including actress 'Ko Ah-sung', who served as a jury member, walked the red carpet to receive the spotlight. Beyond the international and Korean competition sections, this festival prepared distinctive programs, such as 'New York Underground Special Screening', which highlights the experimental spirit of New York artists. Director Byun Yeong-ju participated as this year’s programmer, sharing the rhythm of the festival with the audience, and rich side events—such as Universal Pictures’ pop-ups—captured the attention of visitors who came to Jeonju.

From an Artist’s Torment to a Clash of the Times—Opening and Closing Works That Cross Boundaries

The opening film selected was 'My Private Art Gallery', directed by 'Kent Jones', who received great acclaim at the Venice International Film Festival, offering a deep look into the torment of artists. Then, as the closing film on May 8, the documentary 'South Taryeong (Namtaeryeong)', directed by 'Kim Hyun-ji', will bring the long journey to an end by depicting clashes among farmers. Bold works that move back and forth across the boundaries of an era are waiting for audiences’ evaluations in Jeonju.