Toronto: Korean maestro Lee Chang-dong has said his award-winning film "Possible Love" came as part of efforts to understand and speak about humans in an age where the influence of artificial intelligence (AI) is growing, Netflix said Wednesday. Lee made the remarks as he received the TIFF Ebert Director Award, a lifetime achievement honor presented at the Toronto International Film Festival, in a ceremony held in the Canadian city on Sunday (Canadian time).
According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee is the first Korean filmmaker to win the award. Korean actor Sul Kyung-gu, who appeared in three of Lee's films -- "Peppermint Candy" (2000), "Oasis" (2002), and "Possible Love" -- presented the award to the director. Lee shared his belief that film is a medium most helpful in understanding humans, though he acknowledged the challenges involved in truly comprehending human nature.
"In an era where AI, which does not have an ego, gradually replaces humans and where humans appear to be losing their egos, I still believe that films should speak about humans," Lee said, describing "Possible Love" as a small attempt to do so. He expressed gratitude for the award, saying it encouraged him to continue making films.
Accompanying Lee in Toronto were three of the four lead actors of the film -- Jeon Do-yeon, Sul, Cho Yeo-jeong, and Zo In-sung -- that won the Silver Lion Grand Jury Prize at the Venice International Film Festival last week. In a conversation with the audience following the North American premiere of the film on Monday, Lee noted the disappearance of values such as labor, identity, and self is not only a problem in Korea but a universal issue.
Zo, who played the role of Sang-woo, the affluent husband of documentary filmmaker Ye-ji in "Possible Love," said he tried to portray a new side of the wealthy through his role. He approached the role with an open mind, engaging in conversations with Lee, which allowed him to feel liberated in his acting.
Cho, who portrayed Ye-ji, also thanked the director. She initially felt pressured after Lee mentioned that the character of Ye-ji might hold his perspective as a director. However, she appreciated the environment Lee created, allowing her to fully immerse herself in the character.
"Possible Love" is Lee's first feature film in eight years, following the critically acclaimed "Burning" (2018). It follows the intertwined lives of a laid-off worker and his wife and a documentary maker and her affluent husband. The film became the first Korean film to win a prize at the Venice film fest since Kim Ki-duk clinched the Golden Lion for his crime thriller "Pieta" in 2012. It also marked the first time a Korean film has won the Silver Lion Grand Jury Prize.
"Possible Love" is set for release in South Korea next Wednesday and will be available on Netflix starting Nov. 6.