Boosting Asian Cinema: CJ ENM Partners with the Academy Museum
Korean entertainment powerhouse CJ ENM, renowned for producing the acclaimed Oscar-winning film Parasite by Bong Joon Ho, has established a significant three-year partnership with the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. This collaboration aims to elevate the representation of Asian cinema within Hollywood.
Introduction of a Groundbreaking Exhibition
The inaugural initiative of this dynamic partnership is set to be a landmark exhibition dedicated solely to Bong Joon Ho. Titled “Director’s Inspiration: Bong Joon Ho,” this highly anticipated exhibit will debut on March 23. Visitors can look forward to a comprehensive display featuring over 100 original artifacts, including:
- Storyboards
- Research materials
- Film posters
- Concept art
- Creature designs
- Props and on-set photographs
Additionally, the exhibition will offer a retrospective of Bong’s celebrated films, along with a creative workspace that showcases various items that have influenced his cinematic vision. A series of film screenings will complement this enriching exploration of his work.
Expanding Asian Cinema in Hollywood
A joint statement from both the Academy Museum and CJ ENM emphasized their commitment to increasing the visibility of exceptional Asian films in mainstream Hollywood. “This partnership aims to expand the presence of not only Korean but also outstanding Asian films,” they stated.
Key Figures in the Collaboration
Miky Lee, vice chairwoman of CJ ENM and a member of the Academy Museum’s Board of Trustees since 2019, has played a crucial role in this endeavor. Her leadership and dedication were recognized when she received the Pillar Award at the 2022 Academy Museum Gala.
Amy Homma, the museum’s director and president, expressed gratitude, stating, “We’re so thankful to Academy Museum Trustee Miky Lee and CJ ENM for their unwavering support. ‘Director’s Inspiration: Bong Joon Ho’ will provide visitors with valuable insight into Bong’s creative process, and we look forward to exploring more rich stories from Korean cinema through this partnership.”
Commitment to Global Asian Artistic Expression
A representative from CJ ENM remarked on the studio’s long-standing commitment to bolstering Korean cinema, saying, “Since 1995, we have worked tirelessly to promote the value and status of Korean cinema. Through this partnership, we hope to contribute to the successful global establishment of Asian creators who possess both distinctive artistry and mass appeal.”
As the entertainment landscape continues to evolve, this initiative marks a significant step toward recognizing and celebrating the richness of Asian cinema in mainstream narratives.