Japanese film director Kiyoshi Kurosawa was awarded the Filmmaker of the Year Award at the Busan International Film Festival, where he expressed his desire to see more Japanese artists explore genre cinema. Kurosawa, known as the “master of horror”, has received praise from acclaimed filmmakers like Bong Joon-ho, the director of the Oscar-winning film “Parasite”. Bong, a long-time fan of Kurosawa, has cited the director’s influence on his own work, particularly in films like “Memories of Murder.”
Kurosawa’s unique ability to create suspense and psychological depth in his films has earned him recognition as a pioneer in genre cinema. He is currently showcasing two new films at BIFF, “Cloud” and the French-language remake of his 1998 crime drama “Serpent’s Path”. Kurosawa expressed his disappointment at the lack of young directors in Japan exploring genre films like he does, noting the benefits of capturing unique cinematic moments through B-cinema genre.
BIFF’s chief programmer Nam Dong-chul praised Kurosawa for his innovative approach to suspense in films, creating chilling and frightening moments that anticipate something terrifying unfolding. Kurosawa’s work goes beyond traditional genre films, delving into the essence of humanity through the lens of genre cinema. The decision to remake “Serpent’s Path” was driven by Kurosawa’s desire to reclaim the film as his own, feeling that the original was more influenced by the scriptwriter’s style than his own.
Kurosawa emphasized the importance of capturing moments that can only be conveyed through film, a hallmark of B-cinema genre. He expressed his hope for more young talent in Japan to explore genre cinema and its unique storytelling opportunities. Despite his own success in the industry, Kurosawa remains humble, acknowledging the global impact of filmmakers like Bong Joon-ho and the inspiration they provide for aspiring directors. His dedication to pushing the boundaries of genre cinema and creating cinematic moments that resonate with audiences continues to solidify his reputation as a visionary in Japanese filmmaking.
