Nam Jong-suk / Courtesy of Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival
Nam Jong-suk, a programmer for the Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival (BIFAN), has been awarded France’s Chevalier rank in the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, marking the first time a film festival programmer in Korea has received the distinction.
The festival, which opens its 30th edition on Thursday, said Nam received the honor in recognition of his contributions to film programming and international cultural exchange.
The French Ministry of Culture’s Order of Arts and Letters is one of the country’s highest cultural honors and is divided into three ranks: Commandeur, Officier and Chevalier.
Nam’s recognition is significant because it is the first awarded to a programmer, rather than a director or performer.
