Bong Joon Ho Makes New History Again

Bong Joon Ho (Twitter @la_Biennale)

JAKARTA - Director Bong Joon Ho made history again. This time, he was selected as the President's Jury for the 78th Venice International Film Festival in 2021.

For the first time in history, a filmmaker from South Korea was elected President for an international festival. This is inseparable from its success by bringing the film Parasite to a number of awards including the Best Film version of the Oscars.

"The Venice International Film Festival runs for a long time with a varied history, and I am honored to have a beautiful cinematic tradition," said Bong Joon Ho quoting the official statement.

# BiennaleCinema2021 Director #BongJoonHo will be the President of # Venezia78 International Jury! “Venice International Film Festival carries with it a long and varied history, and I'm honored to be woven into its beautiful cinematic tradition” → https: // t. co / dbY6j4q04A pic.twitter.com/aKiOwNrJVD

- La Biennale in Venice (@la_Biennale) January 15, 2021

Since 1935, the President of the Venice International Film Festival has been dominated by a number of filmmakers from Europe. Several times, this opportunity was given to Asians.

Actress Gong Li became the first Asian person to be appointed president of the festival in 2002. At that time she was selected because of her successful acting career in Venice, starting with the films Raise the Red Lantern and Farwell My Concubine.

Achieves through the film

Bong Joon Ho is known for his films which contain criticism of social issues. His success became known after he made the second film Memories of Murder based on the biggest murder case in South Korea.

Through his film The Host in 2006, he tells of a toxic chemical that spreads to the United States military base in Korea. This story is a true incident in Seoul in 2000.

Snowpiercer is called his first international success. Starring Chris Evans and Tilda Swinton, Snowpiercer has been adapted into a serial format by Netflix.

Through the film Parasite, Bong Joon Ho tries to criticize capitalism in South Korea which causes high unemployment and difficulty finding a place to live. This film received Palme d'Or appreciation from the Cannes Film Festival in May 2020.

After that, Parasite won awards at a number of award shows such as the Golden Globe Awards, Screen Actors Guild Award, British Academy Film Awards, and others.

And the #Oscar goes to ... # Parasite pic.twitter.com/JXrORq9wwX

- Parasite (@ParasiteMovie) February 12, 2020

But the Academy Awards are among the most memorable awards ceremony. Parasite became the first South Korean film to receive a nomination other than the Best Film Not in the English Language category. Bong Joon Ho became a legend of Asian cinema and his victory brought new hope to the cinema scene.

Committed to Value All Films

Being a Presidential Jury for such a prestigious festival event is a great honor for him. Moreover, Bong Joon Ho achieved many new achievements after Parasite and it seems that the list will not stop.

The Venice International Film Festival will be held in September amid the pandemic.

"The first thing about the good news about the Venice International Film Festival is that Bong Joon Ho enthusiastically agrees to be a judge," said Alberto Barbera, artistic director of the Venice Film Festival.

Barbera also mentioned Bong Joon Ho as one of the authentic filmmakers in the film industry.

“As chairman of the jury - and as a perpetual filmmaker - I stand ready to admire and praise all the great films selected by the festival. I feel enthusiasm and sincere hope, ”said Bong Joon Ho.