Jeonju International Film Festival Opens Without Audience Due to COVID-19 Impact

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jong-gil] This year, the Jeonju International Film Festival will be held without an audience due to the impact of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). Only a minimal number of people, such as judges of the competition sections including International Competition, Korean Competition, Korean Short Film Competition, and invited directors, will be allowed in the screening venues. However, films for which the production companies and directors have given permission will be screened online.

The Jeonju International Film Festival was originally scheduled to open on April 30 in the Jeonju Film Street area. However, due to the spread of COVID-19 and the potential threat to the health and safety of the audience, it was postponed to May 28. Executive Director Lee Dong-jun said on the 28th, "We have been considering various methods to delay the festival schedule by about a month and hold a safe film festival," but added, "Since the quarantine authorities are in a state of high alert, we had no choice but to consider ways that would not burden the safety of the public." The Jeonju city government stated, "Once the COVID-19 situation settles, we plan to arrange a separate event to introduce the festival screenings to the general audience."

Creative support programs such as the Jeonju Project Market will proceed as usual. Director Lee explained, "We judged that the role of discovering and supporting films and filmmakers leading alternative trends in contemporary film art must continue."