Remembering Kim Ki-duk

Renowned South Korean filmmaker Kim Ki-duk passed away on December 11, due to Covid-19. He was one of the most prolific directors of contemporary Asian films.

He made his mark in the world of cinema internationally for his signature style of making realistic films. Yet, throughout his life, he was surrounded by controversies.

He won several accolades throughout his illustrious career, including the Golden Lion at 69th Venice International Film Festival for "Pietà", a Silver Lion for Best Director at 61st Venice International Film Festival for "3-Iron", a Silver Bear for Best Director at 54th Berlin International Film Festival for "Samaritan Girl", and the Un Certain Regard prize at 2011 Cannes Film Festival for "Arirang". The 2003 film, "Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter... and Spring", is one of Kim's most successful films.

The director had a close alliance with internationally acclaimed filmmaker Mostofa Sarwar Farooki. After learning about Kim's demise, Farooki shared a heartfelt note on social media. "Seems like the terrible news is true! So many memories! At a total loss for words! You will be missed so badly, Kim Ki Duk!" he wrote.

Internationally acclaimed director Mostofa Sarwar Farooki (3-L) and Nusrat Imrose Tisha (2-R) with Kim Ki-duk”.

Kim's brilliance and bravery as a director inspired filmmakers across the world.

His films explored themes surrounding death, life, love, and human relationships. His way of telling stories through honest brutality made him a controversial, yet successful artiste.

Renowned filmmaker and producer Abu Shahed Emon wrote about Kim on his Facebook profile. "I have hundreds of memories with him...I had to accept the fact that the great master of our time is no more. Your creations have inspired many young filmmakers around Asia and the world. Rest in peace," he said.

Celebrated director Ashfaque Nipun, shared his thoughts on Kim's career. "It is easy to become a filmmaker, but it is tough to become an artiste. Kim was an artiste," said Nipun. "I feel jealous of his brave and bold filmmaking as his works had a unique, defining tone, without having any mark of influence from anyone. He had his own style of telling stories."

"He was philosophically powerful and brutally honest about his work, and that clearly reflects on his films," mentioned Nipun. "Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter... and Spring"  "Pietà", "Moebius", "The Bow", and "Arirang" are some of Nipun's favourite films of Kim.

Kim Ki-duk with Abu Shahed Emon.

Moreover, popular director Sanjoy Somadder mourned his demise on social media. "Kim Ki Duk ! U will be always remembered & loved !! What a  loss ! RIP Master," he wrote.

Kim Ki-duk was born in 1960. He studied Fine Arts in Paris and began his career as a screenwriter before he directed his first film, "Crocodile", in 1996.