Jeonju film fest opens with largest-ever lineup

JEONJU, South Korea, April 28 (Yonhap) — The annual Jeonju International Film Festival kicked off Thursday with a growing reputation for showcasing contemporary indie and arthouse films.

Some 2,000 movie fans, film industry people and Jeonju city officials attended the festival’s opening ceremony, co-hosted by actress Yoo Sun and actor Lee Jong-hyeok, in the southwestern city of Jeonju.

The ceremony was followed by the screening of Canadian director Robert Budreau’s feature “Born to be Blue.” The film follows the life story of legendary jazz trumpet player Chet Baker, portrayed by Ethan Hawke.

Including the opening film, the 17th edition of the festival features 211 movies from 45 countries, the largest in the festival’s history.

Unlike last year when visitors had to move between Jeonju Cinema Street, Jeonju Sports Complex and the CGV Jeonju Hyoja Theater to see films and attend events, Jeonju’s Cinema Street became the unified venue for this year’s festival. The main theater was moved from the CGV Jeonju Hyoja Theater to the CGV Jeonju Gosa Theater that opened earlier this year on Jeonju Cinema Street.

The festival will close on May 7 with an awards ceremony that will name the grand prize winner in the international competition category.