Speaker
Description
This research paper investigates the often-overlooked but significant influence of South Korea on South Asian cinema culture in recent years. While Bangladesh film industry holds a history of almost a century, it has not been able to feature itself in the global arena. On the other hand, the film industry of South Korea or K-Cinema significantly thrived since the 1990s and made itself a regular award-winner in the international film festivals around the world. Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) played a pivotal role in making K-Cinema a part of the global film community. Various institutional measures of BIFF has also been geared to develop other Asian film industries. In that process, Bangladesh’s independent film culture got connected with BIFF in various ways during last one decade or more. However, the role of K-Cinema in enhancing and transforming Asian smaller film industries has not attracted much researchers. Therefore, a unique case of transnational connection between Bangladesh’s independent cinema and K-Cinema through BIFF has never been studied.
This paper is going to be the very first step to research and present this phenomena with a suitable methodological rigor it deserves. While K-Cinema’s global success is well-documented, this paper for the first time delves into the lesser-known yet profound impact it has had on national cinemas in countries traditionally at the periphery of the film industry. Through a thorough analysis, the paper will reveal how BIFF and overall K-Cinema have become instrumental for Bangladeshi independent filmmakers. By examining the intricate dynamics of this cultural exchange, this research paper will not only shed light on South Korea's role as a cinematic catalyst but also underscore the resilience and creativity of independent cinemas in South Asia within the broader Asian film landscape.
