Seo Myeong-soo (서명수)

Festival for Independent Films

Source | 2006/12/10 | Permalink |

An independent film festival in Seoul is offering moviegoers a deeper understanding of the genre.
The movies being screened there tackle social issues from home and abroad.
Our Son Heekyung takes us to the scene.

A film festival for independent movies has opened in Seoul for the 32nd year.
The reels are rolling at this annual event, which has sustained its popularity over the past three decades.

SON HEEKYUNG, REPORTER: "The Seoul Independent Film Festival provides a festive ground for independent filmmakers to come together.
Organizers say the gala was launched to promote creative artistry and innovation among domestic filmmakers and ultimately those of the world".

The directors have worked with limited budgets, and their works mainly target a niche audience.
Most of the films are by moviemakers in their 20s and 30s who were born into freedom.
For those into the environment, human rights and labor strikes, this festival is spot on.

RECORDED: "Korean filmmakers deal wi...| More

Varied new Korean films on display at PIFF

Source | 2006/11/03 | Permalink |

The 11th edition of the Pusan International Film Festival drew attention for its various industry sidebars and other events, but those festival attendees who focused on the program itself declared it to be a good year for new Korean films.

Independent filmmakers in particular turned out a large number of interesting projects, which look sure to turn up at other major international festivals in the coming months. Some examples include < "No Regret" >, the feature debut of acclaimed indie director LEE SONG-Hee-il, about a male escort who becomes romantically involved with a rich man. Apart from the critical praise it earned, international rights to the film was also picked up by Fortissimo – one of the arthouse world's most famous sales companies.

< Ad-Lib Night > by director LEE Yoon-ki, about a woman who agrees to "stand in" as the daughter of a dying man, was also warmly received. After debuting with the award-winning < This Charming Girl > in 2004, LEE returned with < "Love Tal...| More