‘Carte Blanche’ is a French term meaning ‘complete freedom of choice’. The program invites prominent figures from the world of cinema and culture to personally select films that have had a profound influence on their cinematic sensibilities, and to watch and discuss them with audiences. This year, the program brings together three acclaimed figures from the Korean and international film industries—director Kim Jeewoon, actor Fan Bingbing, and cinematographer Hong Kyung-pyo—under the theme “Filmmakers and actors who are cinephiles at heart—and beloved by cinephiles.”
Having each built a distinctive cinematic world in their respective fields of directing, cinematography, and acting, the three hosts will step away from their professional roles and take their seats as cinephiles for ‘Carte Blanche’. They have selected films they love and that have shaped their cinematic sensibilities, and will share with audiences why these films matter to them and discuss them from their own perspectives as creators through post-screening Q&A sessions during the festival. The program offers a unique opportunity to discover the personal tastes, influences, and sources of inspiration behind the work of three acclaimed figures in cinema.
Director KIM Jeewoon’s Choice: Mad Max (1979)
Kim Jeewoon made his directorial debut with The Quiet Family (1998) and has since developed a distinctive, stylish filmmaking approach that crosses genre boundaries, with films including A Tale of Two Sisters (2003), A Bittersweet Life (2005), and The Age of Shadows (2016). After making his Hollywood debut with The Last Stand (2013) and expanding his international career with Cobweb (2023), which was selected Out of Competition at the Cannes Film Festival, Kim selected George Miller’s Mad Max, the landmark film that launched the iconic series. The film laid the groundwork for the modern post-apocalyptic genre with its striking visuals and groundbreaking action sequences, leaving a lasting influence on popular culture. Explaining his choice, Kim said, “Mad Max is the beginning of a great legend and the wildest, toughest, and most instinctive film in the entire series.” He added, “The shock and fear I felt from the sheer force of its energy when I first saw this film are still vivid. It is a film that proves what true ‘cinematic cinema’ can be.”
Actor FAN Bingbing’s Choice: The Handmaiden (2016)
Known for her commanding screen presence and wide-ranging performances, actor Fan Bingbing has also served on the juries of numerous international film festivals. Her Carte Blanche selection is Park Chan-wook's The Handmaiden. With its intricate suspense and stunning mise-en-scène, the film offers a mesmerizing portrait of desire and liberation emerging from beneath the constraints of class and gender. Explaining her choice, Fan said, “The Handmaiden weaves together desire, deception, and power through its exquisite aesthetic, while following two women trapped in their own predicaments as they confront one another, ultimately saving themselves and breaking free from the constraints of fate. The women captured through Director Park Chan-wook's lens are both dangerous and free. I was deeply captivated by its clarity, boldness, and vitality.”
Cinematographer HONG Kyung-pyo’s Choice: Three Colours: Blue (1993)
Hong Kyung-pyo has left a distinctive visual imprint on films including Snowpiercer (2013), The Wailing (2016) and Parasite (2019), meticulously shaping light, space, and framing in each work. One of Korea’s leading cinematographers, known for his exquisite visual aesthetic, Hong has developed a distinctive approach to capturing the emotions of a story and the spaces in which it unfolds. For ‘Carte Blanche,’ he has selected Three Colours: Blue (1993). The first installment of Krzysztof Kieslowski’s Three Colours trilogy, the film explores the French Revolution’s ideal of ‘liberty’ through a story of loss, expressed through light, color, and music. Explaining his choice, Hong said, “Every time I watch Three Colours: Blue, the loss and solitude captured in its blue hues feel new, and it reminds me once again of how deeply images can convey emotion.” His choice reflects his deep appreciation for the visual aura created through image and light.
Having unveiled its ‘Carte Blanche’ lineup, featuring the personal selections and distinctive tastes of three acclaimed figures in cinema who are passionate cinephiles themselves and beloved by cinephiles, the 31st Busan International Film Festival will take place for 10 days from Oct 6 (Tue) to 15 (Thu) at the Busan Cinema Center and venues across Busan.
