InfoAnda - Foreign films give isolated N.Korea rare window on world

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

Candace Bushnell plays on love triangle after Sex | | 18 June 2010
Manatee stuck in NJ as temps fall; rescue planned | 17 October 2009
Minimum and maximum temperatures in Celsius | 1 March 2011

Urban elephants ply Bangkok streets in search of tourist dollars | 24 February 2009

Forum Views () Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : Foreign films give isolated N.Korea rare window on world

Yahoo! My Yahoo! Mail More Yahoo! Services Account Options New User? Sign Up Sign In Help Yahoo! Search web search Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Asia Pacific World Foreign films give isolated N.Korea rare window on world AFP - Friday, October 1 Send IM Story Print Foreign films give isolated N.Korea rare window on world PYONGYANG (AFP) - – One of the world's most tightly-controlled societies got a rare glimpse of the outside world at the Pyongyang International Film Festival last week, where even Western films were screened. Communist North Korea strictly controls access to information, including via mobile phones and the Internet, leaving most North Koreans in ignorance of the wider world. A tour guide had never heard of the late pop star Michael Jackson. Yet participants in the 12th Pyongyang International Film Festival, which ended on September 24, say it helped open a window for the impoverished country. Only a minority of the population was able to attend the event, but it gave them access to documentaries, feature films and shorts from several European countries and Canada. Productions from Asia, Russia, the Middle East and elsewhere were also on the programme. Henrik Nydqvist, a freelance film producer who was Sweden's official delegate to the eight-day event, said anything which breaks North Korea's isolation is positive. "We think we're doing something good here," he said. "We feel we can make some positive impact... and that outweighs the other things." The festival has its own venue, the Pyongyang International Cinema House, which includes a 2,000-seat theatre as well as other smaller halls. Red, blue and green neon signs hanging in the atrium beam the country's foreign policy slogan: "Peace, independence, friendship". A 300-seat hall was almost completely filled with Koreans for an afternoon screening of the comedy "Pieces d'Identites" from Congo. They sat quietly behind padlocked doors in a hot, airless room for the story of an African king who travels to Belgium in search of his daughter, who has been forced to work as a nude dancer. The film's images include bordellos and a heaving African nightclub, depicting a world alien to North Koreans who are bombarded with propaganda from childhood and whose showpiece capital Pyongyang appears to be stuck in a time decades past. Such images can only help to bring about change, said a source connected with the film festival. "They have in mind: Why is North Korea, my country, different?" Connections are required to gain admission and authorities do not want the rural masses outside of the capital to see foreign movies, he said. "I watched some poor people who wanted to see the movie, and the guard stopped them." At the event's closing ceremony attended by more than 1,500 people, including foreign diplomats, Nydqvist read a letter of thanks to Kim Jong-Il, ruler of the country which has twice tested nuclear weapons and is under various United States and United Nations sanctions. "The Pyongyang International Film Festival is unique," the letter said, thanking Kim for his "care and interest." Such messages are common practice in the country, Nydqvist said. Kim, 68, is said to have a collection of 20,000 Hollywood movies, and engineered the kidnap in 1978 of a South Korean director to help him make films. He has also written books about movie-making, including one slim volume which says cinema "has the task of contributing to the development of people to be true communists and to the revolutionisation and working-classisation of the whole of society." At Pyongyang's Korean Film Studio, the country's centre of film production, a director said Kim had visited "on more than 500 occasions". Kim has also provided "guidance" to the film festival, Nydqvist said, citing organisers of the event. But the ailing Kim's time on the political stage appears to be nearing an end. On Thursday the regime released the first-ever official photograph of Kim Jong-Il's youngest son Kim Jong-Un, which analysts said confirms the young man's status as leader-in-waiting. Jong-Un, believed aged about 27, has assumed powerful posts in North Korea's ruling party, state media said after the Workers' Party of Korea held its highest-level meeting in 30 years on Tuesday. Whether he shares his father's cinematic obsession is unknown but Jong-Un did have an interest in Hollywood tough-guy Jean-Claude Van Damme, say staff and friends at Swiss international schools where he studied, according to newspaper reports. Several North Korean films were screened at the festival, including "Hong Kil Dong," a 1986 production about a type of Robin Hood martial arts fighter in ancient times, whose flute-playing induces terror in the villains. The festival programme listed Germany's "Four Minutes", the Serbian documentary "Let There Be Light", and Swedish feature "As It Is In Heaven" among the many international offerings. An organising committee chooses delegates from among those who apply, Nydqvist said, adding their expenses in Pyongyang are paid for but airfare is not. A Briton and a Vietnamese were among the members of the film jury which chose a Chinese film, "Walking to School," as the grand prize winner. China won at the previous festival, too, but Nydqvist said: "I've never heard anything suggesting that the jury was encouraged to favour a specific country." China is North Korea's sole major ally and economic lifeline. Recommend Send IM Story Print Related Articles India's biggest budget movie hits screens AFP - 51 minutes ago US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary Reuters - Saturday, October 2 A Minute With: Actor Eisenberg on playing Facebook CEO Reuters - Saturday, October 2 Nobel Literature winner to be announced Oct 7 Reuters - Saturday, October 2 Black actors face snub at Oscars Reuters - Friday, October 1 News Search Top Stories Brake problem forces BMW, Rolls-Royce recall United, Continental finalize airline mega-merger Ecuador president rescued from police uprising BP says Gulf oil spill costs hit $11.2 billion IMF chief sees no need to help Ireland More Top Stories » ADVERTISEMENT Most Popular Most Viewed Most Recommended Ireland reveals full horror of banking crisis Dinosaurs taller than thought: study Brake problem forces BMW, Rolls-Royce recall US scientists find new way to generate human stem cells Debt throws eurozone back towards dangerous waters More Most Viewed » US state executes first woman in nearly 100 years 'Time bomb' superbug requires global response: doctor Workers swarm Europe's streets in anti-cuts protests More Most Recommended » Elsewhere on Yahoo! Financial news on Yahoo! Finance Stars and latest movies Best travel destinations More on Yahoo! News Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Subscribe to our news feeds Top StoriesMy Yahoo!RSS » More news feeds | What are news feeds? Also on Yahoo! Answers Groups Mail Messenger Mobile Travel Finance Movies Sports Games » All Yahoo! Services Site Highlights Singapore Full Coverage Most Popular Asia Entertainment Photos World Cup 2010 Yahoo! News Network Copyright © 2010 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - Community - Intellectual Property Rights Policy - Help

Other News on Friday, 1 October 2010
Correa blames coup attempt as unrest rocks Ecuador |
Post-crisis Paris car show goes electric, looks to Asia
US charges 60 in global cybercrime network
NATO aircraft entered Pakistan 'in self defence'
Six foreign soldiers killed in Afghan attacks
Bisphenol-A chemical used in baby bottles safe: EU agency
Netherlands to ban the burqa, says anti-Islam MPs
Boston Globe to launch paid website
Ireland reveals full horror of banking crisis
Cameroon says six maritime hostages released |
Qaeda posts picture of hostages seized in Niger
Syria hopes to bridge costly development gap
US-TECH Summary
Dutch government pact bans burqa |
AIG agrees deal to repay taxpayer bailout
Pakistan halts NATO supplies to Afghanistan
US economic growth slows to 1.7 percent
Iran summons envoy for U.S. sanctions on its officials |
Apple takes legal battle with Nokia to Britain
5 NATO service members killed in Afghanistan
Debt throws eurozone back towards dangerous waters
Car bomber in south Afghanistan kills 3 civilians
Rwanda: U.N. Congo report threat to region's stability |
Camel-crazy UAE using cutting-edge breeding technology
European Union eyes stronger cyber defences
Russia wary about NATO November summit invite |
EU seeks to boost defences against cyber attacks
Cubans missing out on information revolution: poll
Hong Kong trio convicted for Tokyo jewellery heist
EU takes Britain to court over Internet privacy
Japan demands China release detainee
Intel to invest in S.Korea wireless broadband venture
New Thai army chief takes helm with royal pledge
Oscar-nominated Tony Curtis dies age 85
Skype eyes US business customers, Facebook
US and Europe toil to save Israel-Palestinian peace talks
Hollywood's matinee idol Tony Curtis dead at 85
US-TECH Summary
Russia calls Japan's island claims a "dead-end"
Hollywood leading man Tony Curtis dies
Apple takes legal battle with Nokia to Britain
Apple takes legal battle with Nokia to Britain |
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
EU seeks to boost defences against cyber attacks |
Oscar-nominated Tony Curtis dies age 85
Three Sprint execs resign from Clearwire board |
20 years on, Germans flock to Cold War 'Dallas' show
Cubans missing out on information revolution: poll |
CNN's Anderson Cooper signs daytime talk show deal
Hollywood's matinee idol Tony Curtis dead at 85
Google pays tribute to Flintstones
Reptilian rock slides onto Paris catwalks
Disney backs Michelle Obama's child obesity campaign
New Zealand government weighs into 'Hobbit' battle
Japan September intervention amounted to 2.1 trillion yen
Working dads entitled to 'breastfeeding' leave: EU
Panasonic, Whirlpool plead guilty to US price fixing
Japan to withdraw from Iran oil project: reports
Japan develops hybrid car motor free of rare earths
Hills star Heidi Montag calls off divorce |
Britney Spears' affairs remain under conservator |
Candice Bergen to publish second memoir |
Teen actor Reed Alexander urges kids to eat better |
Good grief! Peanuts comic strip turns 60 |
Travel ban could cost Filipinos their Afghan jobs
Bin Laden involved in Europe attack plot: report
U.S. envoy steps up shuttle to save Mideast talks
Ex-SAP CEO Leo Apotheker named to head HP
IMF chief sees no need to help Ireland
Dinosaurs taller than thought: study
Netherlands to ban the burqa, says anti-Islam MPs
Three top executives leaving
Six foreign soldiers killed in Afghan attacks
Ecuador's Correa rescued, now faces political fight |
US scientists find new way to generate human stem cells
WikiLeaks founder blasts Pentagon amid Afghan files row
US charges dozens in global cybercrime network
Militants set fire to NATO supply tankers in Pakistan |
U.S. Touts Other Routes After Pakistan Blocks NATO Afghan Supplies
Three Sprint execs resign from Clearwire board
Season Five Of Dexter Is Underway With New Characters And Plenty Of Suspense
New Windows-powered smartphones coming in October: report
Japan seeks good China ties, frets over navy actions |
Turner Classic Movies to Pay Tribute to Legendary Actor Tony Curtis
Disney Launches “Disney Magic of Healthy Living”
Thailand lifts emergency rule in three provinces |
Guest Stars Take Over Disney Channel In October
Martha Stewart, Brendan Fraser Go "Tricking And Treating" On New Halloween Special
Emanuel Quitting As Obama’s Chief Of Staff To Run For Chicago Mayor
China to give "vote of confidence" in Greece
Pakistan farmers' livelihoods buried under flood mud |
Stocks Slip But Benchmarks Post Best Monthly Gain In 71 Years
Japan smokers happy to inhale tax hike
Oscar-nominated Tony Curtis dies, age 85
Ahead in Brazil polls, Rousseff cruises in debate |
Study: Despite Anti-Cell Phone Laws, More Drivers Admit to Distracted Driving
Japan seeks good China ties
Christine O'Donnell Under Fire For Oxford University Claims
Japan PM urges China to be 'responsible'
Thailand lifts emergency rule in three more provinces
UNESCO confirms ancient Hanoi citadel's heritage status
China's Wen to give "vote of confidence" in Greece
Denali clan cast in "Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn"
Matthew McConaughey reunites with "Dazed'" director
Holiday concerns in China over 'cyber superweapon'
Japan worried over China's maritime activities
Moviegoers will friend "The Social Network"
World's oldest high-altitude settlements 'found in PNG'
India rejects RIM corporate email solution: report |
Rapper Kid Cudi drug charge may be dismissed
Microsoft CEO bonus curbed for Kin, tablet failures |
Model Heidi Klum hangs up Victoria's Secret wings
Facebook founder survives Social Network so far |
Candice Bergen to publish second memoir
Denzel Washington to host Nobel Peace Prize concert
Taiwan eyes opportunities in Indonesia
Britney Spears' affairs remain under conservator
US stocks post best September since 1939
Seoul shares hit fresh 28-month high after data
S.Korea bonds rise on buyback talk, stronger won
BRIEF-Moody's raises Air New Zealand's rating to Baa3
S.Korea Sept 1-20 exports to key markets jump
Taiwan raises rates on NCDs after rate hike
Most Earth-like, Habitable Planet Found
S.Korea eyes extra $3 bln T-bond buyback in 2010
Suicide After College Roommate Livestreams Gay Sexual Act Online
S.Korea spotted buying dlrs to cap won
DHS Exercise Tests U.S. Response To Cyberattack
Oscar-nominated Tony Curtis dies, age 85 |
Model Heidi Klum hangs up Victoria's Secret wings |
Seoul shares open down after gains;LG Chem rises
Man Takes DJ's Bet, Tattoos Station's Logo On His Forehead
Comic-Con staying in San Diego |
Report: Malaysian To Be Appointed U.N. Ambassador To ET
Carter Out Of Hospital, To Resume Book Tour
Matthew McConaughey reunites with Dazed' director |
Denali clan cast in Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn |
Moviegoers will friend The Social Network |
India rejects RIM corporate email solution: report
Gunmen torch NATO supply trucks in Pakistan
Ukraine court strengthens president's powers
Militants set fire to NATO tankers in Pakistan |
Foxconn to raise wages again at China plant
NATO says it captures Afghan insurgent leaders
Brake problem forces BMW, Rolls-Royce recall
Iraq Shi'ite union picks incumbent Maliki for PM |
Ecuador president rescued from police uprising
Eight killed by Nigeria Independence day bombs |
NASA Laying Off More Than 1,200 Space Workers
Australian spies 'may have tracked WikiLeaks founder'
BP says Gulf oil spill costs hit $11.2 billion
Mom, Boyfriend Jailed After Child Taped To Wall
Bin Laden criticizes Pakistan relief, urges climate action |
Stuxnet worm brings cyber warfare out of virtual world
U.S, EU Continue Efforts To Salvage Middle East Peace Talks
Dog Ownership May Protect Kids From Eczema
U.N. report details hundreds of Congo atrocities |
Man linked to stolen bank data found dead in Swiss prison |
Blagojevich's Lead Attorneys Leave Case
US-TECH Summary
Hostess Recalls Chocolate Chip Muffins
Amanda Knox faces preliminary slander hearing |
Warner Brothers Release Fringe And Top Gear Season 13 Blu-rays And DVDs
Oil majors tell U.S. still have some Iran dealings |
About 9 Percent Of U.S. Adults Are Depressed
Fears ease of backlash after India ruling on holy site
Syria's Assad aims to reassure on visit to Iran |
Despite Talks Of Coup, U.S. Hopes Pakistan Stays Democratic
Iran blasts US 'interference' in domestic affairs
Militants set fire to NATO tankers in Pakistan
Storms drench much of the East Coast; 5 killed
Thai queen admitted to hospital
Muslims angry with mosque verdict, but India calm
Global Weather-Celsius
South Korea gets new PM after two-month vacuum
India hit back in first Australia cricket Test
Two Koreas agree to resume family reunions
Japan PM urges China to be 'responsible'
New HP CEO fails to rouse investors |
A Minute With: Actor Eisenberg on playing Facebook CEO
NJ student's suicide illustrates Internet dangers
S.Korea parliament approves new prime minister
Masked ball rings in 90 years for French Vogue
Microsoft to launch smartphones; AT&T exclusive carrier: report |
Nobel Literature winner to be announced Oct 7
Foxconn to raise wages again at China plant |
Black actors face snub at Oscars
Facebook founder survives Social Network so far |
Facebook founder survives "Social Network" so far
Foreign films give isolated N.Korea rare window on world
India not able to access BlackBerry messaging |
Japan seeks new rare earths suppliers amid China spat
Comic-Con staying in San Diego
Nokia says starts shipping flagship N8 model |
LG Electronics new CEO vows to ramp up investment
Over 60 to be charged in Zeus Trojan cybercrime |
FACTBOX-Key political risks to watch in Taiwan
Apple takes legal battle with Nokia to Britain |
Nintendo 3DS delay casts gloom over games giant |
FACTBOX-Key political risks to watch in New Zealand
EU seeks to boost defences against cyber attacks |
PREVIEW-Taiwan Sept CPI seen rebounding to +0.41 pct
China manufacturing picks up in September: survey
AIG appoints new Taiwan chief after failed sale
Scalpers swoop as Apple sells out of iPhone 4 in China
Repsol sells 40 pct of Brazilian affiliate to Sinopec
Pakistani c.bank sells 17 bln rupees of T-bills
A Minute With: Actor Eisenberg on playing Facebook CEO |
Nobel Literature winner to be announced Oct 7 |
Black actors face snub at Oscars |
Facebook founder survives Social Network so far |
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph	VPN on MacOSX	BlogMeter 1.01