Fact-Checked News Article
The Supreme Leader of North Korea, Kim Jong-un, has announced a major policy shift in the country’s film industry. According to state media, the leader stated that North Korea will resume film production after a decade-long hiatus, marking the first new films since 2013.
In a rare address, Kim Jong-un emphasized the importance of cinema as a tool for national propaganda, calling it “essential for ideological reinforcement.” The announcement follows a period of dormancy in the sector, with no major productions confirmed since the release of the last major film, The Flower Girl, in 2013.
Sources close to the regime have indicated that the new films will be produced under the direct supervision of the Supreme Leader’s wife, Ri Sol-ju, who has been increasingly involved in cultural affairs. Ri Sol-ju, known for her influence in North Korea’s arts scene, is expected to oversee the creative direction and distribution of the upcoming projects.
The move comes as North Korea seeks to strengthen its domestic narrative amid growing international isolation. Analysts suggest that the revival of film production could also serve as a diplomatic tool, potentially softening the country’s image abroad. However, no foreign collaborations have been confirmed, and the films are expected to remain tightly controlled by the state.
This revival is part of a broader push by the regime to modernize its cultural infrastructure, including the recent renovation of the Mansudae Grand Theatre, the country’s premier performing arts venue. The theater, which has been dormant since 2017, reopened in 2023 after extensive renovations, signaling a renewed focus on cultural projects.
Kim Jong-un’s address was broadcast on state television, where he also praised the biggest film studio in North Korea, the Pyongyang Film Studio, for its contributions to national cinema. The studio, which has been operational since the 1950s, is set to lead the production efforts.
