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Filmmakers Vow Strong Action on Quota Cut

By Kim Tae-jong
Staff Reporter

Film industry representatives and civic activists Thursday said many people misunderstand the likely consequences of the government plan to halve the screen quota system, and vowed to make every effort to enhance the public understanding of possible damages.

"If keeping the current screen quota is a hindrance to the Korean economy, we are willing to accept the government decision", said director Jeong Ji-yeong during a news conference at the building of the Korea Film Directors' Society.

But as he strongly believes that it is not the case, Jung added, "We will appeal to the public with our tears that the screen quota system should be kept at its current level".

During the conference, the film representatives announced their detailed plans for further collective action to oppose the government's decision to halve the quota system.

To take proper and effective action, they launched a reformed organization called "the Korean Film Industry Committee for the Protection of Screen Quota System" (tentative English name), under which 42 related film organizations will co-operate.

They also read supporting statements from international and local cultural groups, such as the French Cultural Union, the Canadian Cultural Union and the Korean People Artist Federation.

The news conference came following an overnight relay rally Wednesday at the building in central Seoul. Organized by the committee and board members of the Coalition for Cultural Diversity in Moving Images, it will be joined in turn by other civic groups until Feb. 7.

At 2 p.m. on the last day, they will hold a news conference for foreign journalists here and on the following day, they hold a major street demonstration from 2 p.m. in Kwanghwamun area, downtown Seoul.

The current screen quota requires local theaters to screen domestic movies for 146 days a year, but the government plans to cut this to 73 to facilitate a free trade agreement with the United States.

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