‘I caused the whole controversy’ says Okja filmmaker
Bong Joon-ho believes the film industry to adopt a new system or new rules following his plan to stream the film online while it’s in cinemas
By Kim Jae-heun
Korean filmmaker Bong Joon-ho said he caused the controversy revolving around the distribution of his new movie “Okja” and he respects the decision of both Netflix and the local cinemas.
“I am causing a stir everywhere I go. And these stirs are creating new rules,” said Bong at Four Seasons Seoul. “Cannes International Film Festival is discussing how to deal with Netflix films in the future. I guess this is the destiny for Okja.”
“I also understand and respect the decisions of local multiplexes. The cinema chains want at least three weeks of holdback time and Netflix will follow its principle of screening its original content concurrently on its platform and at theatres. I can’t take that priority right from Netflix subscribers who pay fees to watch the original content including Okja,” Bong said.
The filmmaker said that he wanted the audience to watch his movie on a big screen and shot the film with the intention that Okja will be screened in as many theatres as possible.
Bong said the controversy started from his desire to make a quality movie.
However, the director believes this is a good chance for the film industry to adopt a new system or new rules.