IFFR 2011: AN INTERVIEW WITH LEE CHANG-DONG1 min read
Reading Time: < 1 minuteThis year at the International Film Festival Rotterdam there sure was no shortage of great and famous Asian directors present, Shinya Tsukamoto and Kore-eda Hirokazu amongst them. But one of the biggest treats was undeniably that Korean director Lee Chang-dong was himself going to be presenting his film “Poetry” and stick around for a Q&A afterwards.
The day after that screening I was allowed an interview with Mr. Lee. I do get celebrity jitters from time to time and this sure was such an occasion, for I am in awe of the man.
As a successful writer and playwright Lee Chang-dong only turned to moviemaking after friends kept insisting he should try it, but he fast became one of the most lauded directors in Korea and soon rose to international fame. Because of his reputation and respect in the Korean arts industry he was even made the Korean State Minister of Culture for a few years!
Just look at the films he directed in the last decade and how many prizes they have won at festivals worldwide. And while you’re at it, check how many awards his actors have won by being in these movies.
