FILMeX Spreads Sunshine

It's a very rough period for me right now, so anything that gives positive energy is welcome. My five year relationship with Tokyo FILMeX (日本語はこちら) is one such thing.

Following is some news I wrote earlier for Screen (is that a conflict of interest? sue me) regarding today's announcement of this year's closing film, Secret Sunshine (see here and official site [Korean only]). Also announced was the head of this year's competition jury, Sunshine's director Lee Chang-dong.

Aren't this year's graphics excellent?

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Tokyo FILMeX to close with Lee's Secret Sunshine
Jason Gray in Tokyo
13 Sep 2007 10:08

Tokyo FILMeX has announced that Lee Chang-dong's Secret Sunshine will be the closing film of this year's edition (Nov 17-25). Additionally, Lee will serve as the head of the competition jury.

The film won the best actress award at Cannes this year for Jeon Do-yeon's performance.

Earlier this week, the Korean Film Council (KOFIC) selected the film as South Korea's official submission to the Academy Awards' best foreign-language film category.

Secret Sunshine marks Lee's return to the director's chair after five years. His last film, Oasis (2002), screened at the third edition of Tokyo Filmex. Last year's jury was headed by Pusan International Film Festival director Kim Dong-ho.

"It's an honour to be asked to head the jury at Tokyo FILMeX," said Lee. "Our common culture of movies provides an opportunity to meet new people, celebrate life and consider the future of cinema."

Tokyo FILMeX features a competition section for emerging Asian cinema, special invitation screenings, plus retrospectives on classic Japanese and non-Japanese directors. The opening film, programme details and full jury will be announced at a press conference to be held in Tokyo on September 26.