Korean films have won many awards around the world in recent years.
Now also securing the spotlight are a film festival dedicated to gender equality and a Korean-American director's Hollywood debut.
Here's Lee Jeewon .
"See the World Through Women's Eyes!"
That's the catchphrase of the international women's film festival in Seoul.
More than 140 movies from 30 countries will be shown through next Friday.
The movie gala consists of six sections such as the "Female Bodies: Biopolitics and Body Politics" and "Women's Cinema in Korea".
Since this year marks the festival's 10th anniversary, visitors can check out lauded works from past festivals as well.
The event's director shares the organizing committee's plan for the next decade with Arirang News.
[Interview : ] "The main characteristic of our festival for the next 10 years is the celebration of the fact that we're women. The festival has developed through women's positive image of themselves".
That means the annual event recognizes and embraces developments in gender equality worldwide, including in Korea.
It has also grown over the years, becoming one of the leading international movie fetes dedicated to empowering women.
[Reporter : ] "The International Women's Film Festival has come a long way since its launch in 1997. In addition to movies by female directors, it also showcases works by male directors as well as those by migrant women in Korea".
Turning to a new movie release that's getting much attention around the world, but especially in Korea.
"The Air I Breathe" is a Hollywood debut by Korean-American director Jieho Lee.
[Interview : ] "This story is greatly inspired by the Wizard of Oz. So you have these 4 characters, the cowardly lion, the tinman, Dorothy and the scarecrow setting out on a journey to find out who they are.
On the other hand, you have this Asian belief that regardless of who we are, we're connected through four emotions, happiness, pleasure, sorrow and love".
While the movie stars big name actors like Kevin Bacon and Forest Whitaker, it's the young director who's the center of the media hype rather than the glitterati.
With this movie, Lee's establishing a name for himself as the most notable Korean-American director of his time.
Lee Jeewon, Arirang News.
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