A film festival with an environmental message kicked off Thursday, inviting movie goers to enjoy quality films and take part in fun outdoor activities over the weekend. The fifth Green Film Festival in Seoul (GFFIS), which runs through Wednesday at CGV Theater-Sangam, northern Seoul, offers more than 160 films from some 30 countries and a host of events raising critical issues.
"Us Earth" opened the festival Thursday. This nature film is Japan's highest grossing documentary and shows breathtaking shots of our planet, from deep green valleys to chilling icebergs. Friday, there were workshops by nature documentary filmmakers from Japan who showed how to capture the savage nature of the wilderness.
Perfectly complimenting movies paying homage to Earth's beauty is a special photo exhibition. Celebrated photographers such as Kim Jung-man are showing their works capturing nature scenes like the Namibia Desert. The exhibition runs through June 5 on the 10th floor of the Shinsegae Department Store near Myeong-dong.
An eye-catching display outside CGV theater is a large robot made from recycled material, which stands tall to preach the importance of reusing and reducing.
Global warming is finally receiving the international attention it needs through the U.N., and the GFFIS designates a special section to the "hot" topic. Another eye-catching exhibition is that devoted to Korea's worst ever oil spill in Taean, South Chungcheong Province in December last year. "Black Tears" documents the horror of the disaster as well as the moving effort of the numerous volunteers who helped clean up affected beaches.
Last year's focus on reducing CO2 can also be observed. Another integral issue is animal protection and food issues. Concerning the latter, one highlight is "The Meatrix 2: Revolting" the sequel to last year's hit "The Meatrix", an animation inspired by "The Matrix". This was a huge hit when it became available online, with subtitles in various languages, at Open the link (Korean).
Other unappetizing food movies include "Shopping", which shows how calves are killed for beef, hide and fat ― in other words to make steaks, handbags and soap. "Got the Fact on Milk?" is a feature documentary illuminating the gray areas of the American dairy industry and questioning the health benefits of milk. There's also "Greina", touching footage of how a traditional dairy farmer in the Swiss Alps, forced out of business by manufactured dairy companies, churns up his last cheese and butter.
For more, visit Open the link. CGV Sangam is located near Sangam World Cup Stadium station on subway line 6.
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