Renowned independent filmmaker Amartya Bhattacharyya and actor Swastik Choudhury paid tribute to South Korean filmmaker Kim Ki-duk, who passed away in Latvia on December 11 due to Covid-19 complications.
Both Amartya and Swastik had met and interacted with him last year at the prestigious Moscow International Film Festival, as their Bengali film, Runanubandha - The HE without HIM, was screened there. “He was a true saint of cinema. He is no more but has left behind his world of creations and creativity. He was my first chapter in the world of cinema. My exposure to world cinema started with Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter and Spring, arguably his best film. He was an auteur of cinema in every sense of the world,” said Amartya, who has won a National Award for his cinematography.
He also recalls meeting the Korean filmmaker last year. “He watched my film and wrote back with his thoughts. I have at times interacted with him through texts. Meeting my hero was one of my best moments and I still can’t believe that he is no more,” he said.
Swastik said he couldn’t believe the news. “2020 has delivered another heartbreak. Kim Ki-dok was a genre in himself. I was lucky enough to meet the genius last year. I will always be happy for the fact that he watched our film and shared his beautiful thoughts,” said Swastik.
Veteran actress and filmmaker Bijaya Jena also paid her tribute to the master, saying, “It’s so sad to lose a genius to Covid. He will always be remembered,” she said.