Busan Film Festival Showcases Japanese Animation with Rintaro's Return

The 31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) is set to dazzle audiences with its Japanese Animation Special program, featuring 13 essential films, including contributions from the legendary director Rintaro, marking his first visit to Korea in 17 years. Alongside him will be four emerging directors who are shaping the future of animation.

This extensive showcase highlights a century of Japanese animation, combining classic masterpieces with contemporary works that have seldom graced Korean screens. The event, described as a Special Program in Focus, promises to bring both nostalgia and novelty, including several films making their Korean debuts.

The classics section kicks off with the iconic 'The White Snake Enchantress' (1958), a vibrant retelling of a Chinese fable that was Japan's first animated feature in full color. Notably, this film left a profound impact on renowned director Miyazaki Hayao during his youth, as he recalled in his book 'Starting Point 1979-1996'.

Other highlights include 'Belladonna of Sadness' (1973), which explores themes of witchcraft and transformation, and 'Phoenix 2772 (Space Firebird)' (1980), based on Tezuka Osamu's beloved manga series. Rintaro, who helmed the latter, is known for his influential works, including 'Galaxy Express 999' (1979).

Additional notable entries are 'Angel’s Egg' (1985), a visually striking film rich in symbolism, and 'Memories' (1995), which returns to BIFF with a remastered edition celebrating its 30th anniversary. Also featured is the ambitious 'Metropolis' (2001), which was one of the most expensive animated films of its time.

Among the newer works, 'Ghost – End of Night' from Natsume Shingo is generating buzz, while Katanosaka Ryo's 'Shiranui' is making its debut with a unique aesthetic, having been partially hand-drawn. Kadowaki Kohei’s 'We Are Aliens', which utilizes rotoscoping, recently caught attention at the Cannes Film Festival, and Shinomiya Yoshitoshi's 'A New Dawn' has already won accolades at the Berlin International Film Festival.

The program wraps up with Paul Grimault’s 'The King and the Mockingbird' (1952, 1980), a film that has influenced numerous artists, including Miyazaki and Bong Joon-ho.

Festival director Jung Hanseok emphasized the significance of animation as a dynamic cinematic form that connects cultures globally. He noted that the selection criteria for this year's program focused on original theatrical releases that offer bold visions or have rarely been seen in Korea, intentionally excluding works by Miyazaki and Takahata to highlight other influential filmmakers.

“These films are best experienced on the big screen, and I encourage all attendees in Busan to seize this exceptional opportunity,” Jung stated, expressing his honor at welcoming Rintaro and the next generation of directors.

The festival runs from October 6 to 15, with events centrally located at the Busan Cinema Center, alongside the 21st Asian Contents & Film Market from October 10 to 13.

Source: variety.com