Meeting with KIM ki Duk, at IIFI, GOA
AN EXCLUSIVE INTERCATION WITH THE GREAT KOREAN DIRECTOR, KIM ki Duk, at IIFI , GOA, INDIA
Korea ’s most acclaimed film-maker Kim Ki-duk was the centre of attention, at the International Film Festival of India (IIFI ) in Goa.
While his movies are tough and uncompromising, the film-maker himself turned out to be gentle, gracious, generous, as he warmly greeted his numerous Indian fans, who surrounded him wherever he went, walked around the streets of the town on his own, performed quaint ‘magical’ tricks, during a private dinner, feelingly sang his favourite ‘Arirang’ song, at the end of his film-screenings.
It was also fascinating to see the intense director typing away the film-script of his next film, with casual ease, on his little word-pad, during his noisy breakfast sessions.
The Korean Director met many top Indian directors and artistes ,all of whom vied to talk, shake hands, pose for pictures with him.
“ They all seem to know me and my films-“ he stated with fetching modesty, as he proceeded to ask about the films of each of them, adding naively that he got a lot of ' 'positive energy' from them. If there was one thing, Kim ki duk proved, it was that he was totally a 'people’s person.'
n.He declared that his films, including ‘Pieta’ , proved ,not his brutal hate, but brutal love, of his fellow-men.
‘Quotes’ from the masterful film-maker-
His training as a film-maker : I had no education or training, and always had an inferiority complex. That's why I left everything and went to Paris, to discover myself.
His stint in Paris : I worked as a street-artist, to make money. I soon realised that in Paris, you can do what you want , be what you want. That’s when I finally developed faith in myself.
His film-career : Making films was my act of trusting myself.
His favourite film :: It’s undoubtedly ‘Spring Summer,Winter’ ,as it dealt with different phases in my life, and different phases in any man’s life.
His Cannes-award-winning film ‘Arirang’: It was made when I went through my lowest moments, and was just between me and my camera. I never expected it to go to so many film festivals.
The song ‘Arirang’ : It’s a song that is sung when one is low and sad (as in my film ‘Arirang’), and also when one is high and happy ( as I am, now).
His last film ‘Pieta’ : It was a very personal film. I worked as a manual labourer for 15 years, and I know their life .
The hero, of ‘Pieta’ : Is he good or bad? That’s for the audience to decide . I like my audience to ask questions, and find the answers.
The top ‘Golden Lion Award’ in Venice : I’ve regained my self-faith, again.
The top ‘ Order of Culture Merit' award, in Korea- I hope my films will finally be screened in my own country.
Funds, for his films: It’s not easy. I prefer to use my own funds, rather than get from others.
The digital medium: Everyone talks of the digital form, not me. I still prefer the old form of film-making.
Inspiration for his stories: I get my images and ideas from my dreams. I get my stories from the TV news-bulletins - and my own experiences.
His next film: I’m writing a script, for a young, talented film-maker. It’s important to encourage new talent.
Indian Films: Their musical films are cheerful, happy. Mine are cruel, sad.
India: I love the colour, and energy of the streets, the warmth and affection of the people. I never expected to meet so many people who know my films. I would like to come to India, again.
