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October 7, 2014

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Premiere for film on SK ferry disaster

A DOCUMENTARY on South Korea’s devastating ferry disaster premiered at the Busan film festival yesterday, after weeks of heated debate over whether it should be screened at all.

“The Truth Shall Not Sink With Sewol,” also known as “Diving Bell,” had stirred strong emotions long before Asia’s largest film festival opened last week.

The documentary focuses on botched rescue efforts surrounding the April 16 sinking of the Sewol ferry that claimed more than 300 lives — most of them high school students.

Blamed by many on regulatory failings, corruption and official incompetence, the disaster plunged the entire nation into mourning and triggered a lasting wave of public anger and disgust.

With emotions still running high six months later, some accused the film of being overly politicized and insensitive, and there were demands it be withdrawn.

In response, dozens of filmmakers urged festival organizers to stand firm and let the audience make up their own minds.

Co-directed by Ahn Hae-ryong and journalist Lee Sang-ho, the documentary details Lee’s reportage from the site of the tragedy and his angry commentary on the rescue operation.

After the premiere, Lee said: “This disaster laid bare the sheer lack of competency of this government ... but people are increasingly forgetting what caused it to begin with. I hope that this movie will help unite South Koreans again like they were in the wake of the accident in April.”


 

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