The Portuguese Embassy is showcasing several movies at the Busan International Film Festival as part of the golden anniversary of diplomatic ties with Korea.

Under the title “Extreme Portuguese Cinema: Six Authors in Focus,” the program will focus on the work of six Portuguese directors, representing the diversity of the country’s contemporary cinematography, ranging from well established masters to young filmmakers.

The Festival, which runs from Oct. 6-14, will screen a total of 15 Portuguese films, allowing the Korean public to become familiar with the creativity of Portuguese cinema, which, according to BIFF, defies any categorization and is marked by a wide variety of styles and by a great intensity.

The directors include Manoel de Oliveira, Joao Canijo, Joao Pedro Rodrigues, Edgar Pera, Miguel Gomes and Joao Nicolau.

Four of the showcased directors will be in Busan ― Canijo, Rodrigues, Pera and Nicolau ― taking part in question and answer sessions at the end of the screenings of their works.

A seminar on Portuguese cinema will be held on Oct. 9 which will allow for a more in-depth discussion with the general public.

Alongside the festival, the Portugal Embassy and the Honorary Consulate in Busan will also promote a photo exhibition by Portuguese author Pedro Inacio, under the title “Stones: The Perpetual Peace,” at the Design Center Busan, from Oct. 1-21.

For a list of Portuguese movies screening at BIFF, visit the embassy’s site at www.portugalseoul.com. All other information regarding the festival can be found at www.biff.kr.

(yoav@heraldcorp.com)