Busan:Chinese director Zhang Yimou, leading the competition jury at the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), emphasized on Wednesday that films should be seen as pure creations. He highlighted that the ensuing discussions contribute to cinema's appeal.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Zhang made these comments during a BIFF press conference, responding to questions about the controversy surrounding the Korean film "The Assassin(s)." The film, criticized for historical inaccuracies, has sparked political and social debates.

Zhang, who has not yet viewed the film, acknowledged the complexity of balancing creative freedom with historical accuracy. He noted that while films draw from real life, they often transcend it. He urged respect for filmmakers, emphasizing the unique power of films to connect past and present.

"The Assassin(s)" depicts the 1974 assassination attempt on South Korean President Park Chung-hee, which led to the first lady's death. The film has faced backlash, primarily from conservatives. Due to threats against the cast, actor Yoo Hae-jin is under police protection, and lead actors have opted out of the festival.

Korean director July Jung, also serving on the jury, supported Zhang's perspective on films as creative expressions. She acknowledged the hurt caused by the film's narrative but stressed that filmmakers bear responsibility for their fictional worlds.

The BIFF jury includes directors Zhang Yimou, Bi Gan, July Jung, and others. The Busan Awards winners will be announced next week. For the first time, the top prize winner will qualify for the Oscars' Best International Feature Film category. Bi Gan remarked that the competition fosters open dialogue about quality films.