Director Bong Joon-ho, who chaired the Venice Film Festival jury, emphasized that the film will overcome the difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Director Bong attended the opening press conference of the 78th Venice International Film Festival held on the 1st on Lido Island, Venice, Italy. Director Bong is the first Korean to chair the competition section of the Venice Film Festival.

Director Bong said, "Filmmakers have had a difficult year due to the pandemic, but looking back, it was a test for film. As a filmmaker, I don't think the history of film can be stopped so easily. Corona will pass and the film will continue." Regarding the criteria for judging the nominations in the competition section of the festival, he said, "I don't think there should be any kind of criteria."

He emphasized that "to choose a beautiful film, we have to respect everyone's tastes. Everyone's tastes can be different." He also hinted that he would have a heated discussion with the judges, saying, "I am ready to fight until the last day." 

Director Bong said, "Italian cinema has a long history, and this is only one page." He also expressed his respect for masters such as Italian directors Rossellini, Fellini, Antonioni, Bertolucci, and Rossi. He also said, "I am happy to be able to experience new Italian films with young filmmakers." 

The 78th Venice International Film Festival is considered one of the world's top three film festivals along with the Cannes Film Festival in France and the Berlin International Film Festival in Germany. The Venice Film Festival will be held down until the 11th in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.