Just as the title of the opening film "Short! Short! Short! 2009: Money" implies, prospects for the 10th Jeonju International Film Festival, which kicked off its nine-day run on Thursday, seem bright, at least in terms of profitability.

About 65 percent of tickets to 200 films from 42 countries were sold in advance. There are 41 more films than last year.

To celebrate the 10th anniversary, the opening ceremony was attended by some big names in Korean cinema such as directors Im Kwon-taek, Hong Sang-soo, whose latest film "Like You Know It All" will be screened in the Directors' Fortnight at this year's Cannes International Film Festival, and Lee Myung-se, who is known for stylish cinematography.


Lee Ji-hoon (left) and Jo Ahn


Lee Tae-ran (left) and Kim Tae-woo


Ju Ho-sung (left) and Jang Na-ra

Credits: englishnews@chosun.com