One of his major achievements -- the now-noted Palm Springs International Film Festival -- is to begin its ninth year Thursday.

CNN: Mourners gather in town Bono helped promote

And, as if more proof were needed that Korea aspires to become a player on the global screen scene, the first Pusan International Film Festival, last August, displayed some of the trappings normally associated with major movie celebrations in the West.

CNN: CINEMA

Now in its 65th year, the international festival presents a rich programme of classical music, theatre, opera and dance in six major theatres and concert halls and a number of smaller venues.

BBC: king lear