Upon hearing the news of his dementia-stricken mother’s passing, Joon-seop (Ahn Sung-ki) gathers his family and heads to his hometown. His daughter’s question, "Did Grandma die again?" reveals that this family had rushed back to the village multiple times before due to the elderly mother falling critically ill. Following a lengthy traditional funeral in Jangheung, South Jeolla Province, Festival unfolds hidden family histories through oral tales. As the funeral progresses, alongside the first children’s book written by Joon-seop in honor of his mother, the audience experiences a curious sense of catharsis. Also serving as the film’s narrator, Ahn Sung-ki acts as a steadfast pillar, portraying a gentle man who makes room even for passing acquaintances. Joon-seop cries only once during the funeral. Seemingly holding back tears while letting the flowing sorrow drift away with his mother’s death, Ahn’s quiet weeping adds profound grace and dignity to the film following the funeral rites.
He made his feature directorial debut in 1962 with Farewell to the Duman River and went on to direct more than 100 films. Through works such as Mandala (1981), Seopyeonje (1993), and Chunhyang (2000), he brought Korean history, tradition, and art to the screen. Director Im Kwon-taek shared the Best Director award at the Cannes Film Festival for Chihwaseon (2002), and in 2005 he received the Honorary Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival. Festival was screened in the Korean Cinema Panorama section at the 1st Busan International Film Festival.
From Busan International Film Festival 2026, No. 31
