Report on Pusan International Film Festival

The Seventh Pusan International Film Festival was held from Nov. 14-Nov. 23 2002 in Korea's second largest city, Busan (Pusan). In its few years of operation, PIFF has established itself as one of the premiere film events in Asia. This year's festival saw a large increase in attendance, with more than 65 percent of the 226 films from 57 countries completely sold out; foreign guests and members of the press were present in unprecedented numbers. As in past years, the pedestrian mall designated as PIFF Square (where most of the screening venues are located, as well the bronze hand-prints of honored film luminaries) was filled with food vendors, soju tents, and booths promoting all manner of products and services related to film, creating a festive atmosphere day and night.