The Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic awarded Busan International Film Festival Artis Bohemiae Amicis Medal at a ceremony held in Busan earlier this week. The event was held at the  Busan Cinema Center and attended by Alena Hanáková, the Minister of Culture of the Czech Republic, Jaroslav Olša, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the Rep. of Korea, and Helena Fraková, director of the Department of Media and Audiovision, Ministry of Culture.

Artis Bohemiae Amicis is awarded to individuals or institutions in recognition of significant contributions to the promotion of the positive reputation of the Czech cultural heritage at home and abroad.

Busan International Film Festival hosted special screenings of Czech cinema during its 15th edition, in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic relations. In recognition of Busan International Film Festival’s contribution to cultural exchange, the Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic decided to award BIFF, Artis Bohemiae Amicis.

Alena Hanáková, the Minister of Culture of the Czech Republic personally came to Busan to deliver the Medal and expressed that Busan International Film Festival was an important outlet that introduced diverse Czech cinema to Korean audiences. She also showed her expectation for the continuous cultural exchange of Czech cinema as well as Czech culture in Korea. Busan International Film Festival director Lee Yong-kwan received the Medal on behalf of the Festival and stated that it is an honor to be the first Korean institution to receive Artis Bohemiae Amicis.

Via BIFF Press Release (23.01.2013)