South Korean political thriller The Assassin(s) has opened the 37th Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF), defying calls for it to be pulled amid ongoing controversy.
The film, which revolves around the 1974 assassination attempt on then Korean president Park Chung-hee, sparked local protests from conservative groups last month over claims of historical inaccuracies.
Korea’s conservative opposition People Power Party (PPP) then turned its attention to SGIFF, calling on the festival to cancel its selection as opening film. However, SGIFF officials committed to show the feature on Wednesday (October 21) with director Hur Jin-ho in attendance.
“Everyone in the opposition party in Korea wants the film withdrawn, but we stood our ground to screen it,” said director Hur after the opening night screening. “It is a very courageous move. Screening the film shows the spirit of us as filmmakers and creatives.
“We are very thankful to SGIFF for allowing us this creative freedom and expression. The selection is a great encouragement to the producers, filmmakers and actors. Thank you.”
The Assassin(s) is the first Korean film to open SGIFF in more than two decades. Speaking to the controversy, SGIFF chairperson Boo Junfeng said: “While we have received many messages calling for the film’s withdrawal, we have also received many messages of encouragement and support. SGIFF carefully considered the various arguments put forth, and we stand by our decision to have the film as our opening.
“It’s not always easy to remain steadfast in the face of pressure. It requires effort to hold on to principles, to keep caring, and to bring our stories on screen, and sometimes we need to help one another make that happen.”
SGIFF has cultivated a reputation for supporting the freedom to screen features as the filmmakers intended.
The Assassin(s) has drawn criticism for suggesting that Korean intelligence officials or the president himself might have been involved in the assassination attempt, which led to the death of first lady Yuk Young-soo. At the time, an official investigation concluded that Mun Se-gwang, a Korean resident of Japan, acted alone under instructions linked to North Korea.
The PPP, which still regard president Park as a national hero, called on local theatres to pull the film and filed a police complaint against Hur and the production team. Protests were also held outside the home of lead actor Yoo Hae-jin.
The film received its world premiere at Toronto, where it played in Gala Presentations and was named second runner-up for the People’s Choice Award. It was subsequently released locally on September 23, leading the Chuseok holiday weekend, and has taken $23.7m from 3.25 million admissions to date.
The opening gala at Singapore’s Sands Theatre in Marina Bay Sands was also attended by The Assassin(s) producer Kim Won-kuk, who is also CEO of distributor Hive Media, and supporting cast member Shim Eun-kyung. Co-star Park Sung-hoon was also due to attend but did not show up. Shim also took part in an In Conversation With session on October 22.
Guests at the opening included Indian filmmaker-actor Aamir Khan and Hong Kong filmmaker Peter Chan along with Singapore actress Tan Kheng Hua and rising directors Nelson Yeo and Ang Geck Geck.
Strong ticket sales have been reported, with 21 sessions sold out within three weeks of public sales, including All Of A Sudden, Possible Love, Minotaur and La Bola Negra.
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