5th Pusan International Film Festival opens

The 5th Pusan International Film Festival was officially launched for a 9-day run with an opening ceremony at the outdoor theater in the Yacht stadium in the Haeundae district, Busan, attended by over 5000 people, including top officials from the domestic and foreign film industry.

The ceremony began with the director of the organizing committee, Ahn Sang-Young, declaring the film festival officially open, followed by a creative dance performance by professor Kim Hyang-Kum of Changwon University and a videotaped message from President Kim Dae-Jung welcoming the participants to the festival.

In the message, President Kim asserted that the event has grown into one of the most active and productive film festivals in Asia in just five years. President Kim further asserted that the government would provide various supports to the development of the film industry, which is a high value-enhancing business.

Following the opening ceremony, director Budatap Dasgupta of India's "Wrestler" was shown on the outdoor theater's huge screen (33x18.5m).

Jo Young-Hwi silent@donga.com