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‘French Night,’ the event hosted by the French Embassy and UniFrance, was held at the Paradise Hotel Busan in Haeundae on October 8. At the event, Actors Song Kangho and Ye Jiwon received the Étoile du Cinéma awards from the French Embassy. This award, given by the French Embassy, is for the film industry workers who have contributed to the cinematic exchanges between Korea and France over the last year.

Actor Song Kangho said, “I remember watching a film at the French Cultural Center in Anguk-dong when I was 20. That was my first step into films,” adding, “I am so thankful and honored to receive this award 36 years after.” Song Kangho is the first Korean actor who received the Best Actor award for Broker at the 75th Festival de Cannes this year. 

Actor Ye Jiwon, who came onto the stage after Song Kangho, said in French, “Thank you for this great award. There were a lot of happenings between France and me. I think this is my destiny.” Actor Ye Jiwon played the role of a French simultaneous translator in Vanishing, a Korea-France joint project film (directed by Denis Dercourt), which was released in March, drawing attention from Korean and French audiences. 

‘French Night’ is a representative cultural exchange event that supports friendly film exchanges between Korea and France at the Busan International Film Festival and has served as a venue for meetings and exchanges between filmmakers from the two countries. ‘French Night’ this year was held in 3 years for the first time due to the Pandemic. 

Julien Cats, Deputy Head of Mission of the French Embassy, said, “I thank the Korean Film Council and the CNC of France. The diverse and dynamic encounters at the Festival de Cannes continue to Busan International Film Festival. I think this constant exchange will lead to a great project." He also added, “Korean and French movies have respected and influenced each other for a long time. Through this event, I want to appreciate the efforts of Koreans in the film industry to spread excellence and variety of Korean films to the world,” welcoming Korean and French cineastes who attended the ‘French Night’ event.