Netflix’s ‘The Great Flood’ Among Korean Cinema Today Lineup at Busan

PREMIERE PICKS

The 30th Busan International Film Festival has unveiled five selections for its Korean Cinema Today – Special Premiere program, showcasing notable contemporary Korean commercial cinema.

Among the four films having their world premieres at the festival is Kim Byung-woo’s disaster thriller “The Great Flood,” starring Kim Da-mi and Park Hae-soo. The Netflix film follows survivors of a catastrophic flood disaster. Ra Hee-chan’s action comedy “Boss” features Jo Woo-jin, Jung Kyung-ho, Park Jihwan, and Lee Kyoo-hyung in a story about gang members vying for leadership positions. Ha Jung-woo directs and stars in “The People Upstairs,” exploring tensions between neighboring couples. “Audition 109,” the sequel to 2009’s “Wish,” marks Jung Woo’s directorial debut alongside co-director Oh Seong-ho.

Lee Hwan’s “Project Y” stars Han So-hee and Jun Jong-seo as women entangled in dangerous crime. The film will have its world premiere at Toronto and its Asian premiere at Busan.

BIFF runs Sept. 17-26.

PERSONNEL PICK

Disney has appointed Tony Zameczkowski as senior VP and general manager, direct-to-consumer, Asia Pacific, effective immediately. The 25-year media veteran previously served as VP and regional co-head and head of partnerships at Netflix APAC for nine years, where he was a founding leader in the region.

“We are thrilled to have Tony lead our direct-to-consumer business as we continue to bolster Disney+ across APAC,” said Luke Kang, Disney’s APAC president. Zameczkowski will dual report to Kang and Joe Earley, president, direct-to-consumer, Disney Entertainment.

The appointment comes as Disney+ continues expanding its regional content slate, with upcoming APAC originals including “Tempest,” “The Murky Stream” and “Made in Korea.”

CON CAPER

Prime Video has released a trailer for Korean comedy caper series “Confidence Queen,” showcasing Park Min-young in multiple disguises as she leads a trio of con artists.

The trailer reveals Park’s character Yun Yi-rang transforming from socialite to business mogul while executing elaborate schemes against corrupt villains. She’s joined by Park Hee-soon as enigmatic James and Joo Jong-hyuk as optimist Myung Gu-ho.

Director Nam Ki-hoon helms this remake of a popular Japanese series, with writers Hong Seung-hyun and Kim Da-hye. New episodes drop Saturdays and Sundays following the Sept. 6 premiere.