North Korea is marking the upcoming birth anniversary of former leader Kim Jong Il with a series of festivals showcasing art, movies and photos in his honor.

The festivities for Kim’s 82nd birth anniversary are unlikely to match the more high-profile celebrations for the 80th anniversary, but the wide range of activities highlights the lofty standing of the former leader despite Kim Jong Un’s recent efforts to distance himself from his father and grandfather’s policies.

One area in which Kim Jong Un has sought to make his mark is regional development, and