| IM Kwon-taek's First HD Feature to Crank In January (Source) |
2009/12/04 |
Veteran master IM Kwon-taek will begin production on his HD debut next month, a feature drama on the traditional Korean paper art of 'hanji', titled "Scooping Up the Moonlight". The 75-year-old director's 101st film will be his first venture into digital cinema, prompting him to switch from his longtime cinematographer JUNG Il-sung to work with the young, HD-experienced DOP, HWANG Gi-seok.
The new project was supported by KOFIC's newly launched Masters' Films Production Support Program which aims to elevate Korea's top name directors on the international stage and produce high-quality art films. The Jeonju International Film Festival (JIFF), known for producing various digital films, will produce the project.
The lead cast includes two of Korea's most well-known stars from the past, actress KANG Soo-yeon and actor PARK Joong-hoon, playing characters who dedicate their lives to the art of making hanji. KANG, who made her debut in the 80s, reunites with director IM after 20 yea... |More
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| New Im Kwon-taek film focuses on hanji (Source) |
2009/12/03 |
The Korean government is currently intensifying its efforts to promote Korea and its cultural assets overseas, most notably hansik, or Korean food. But less attention has been paid to hanji, the Korean paper made from mulberry trees that is known in Asia for its beauty, flexibility and high quality.
However, a new film by internationally acclaimed Korean director Im Kwon-taek and produced by the Jeonju International Film Festival could change that. With a budget of 2 billion won ($1.73 million), the film will begin shooting in January. If completed in April as scheduled, it could go on to open the Jeonju film festival, which, true to its name, attracts a global audience.
The city of Jeonju is known for the beauty of its hanji, so it was a natural place for the project to begin. Festival organizers came up with the concept and then approached Im about directing the film.
"While we have carried out various projects to promote hanji, [making a movie about hanji] will be the highl... |More
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| Director Im Kwon-taek Brings 101st Film (Source) |
2009/12/01 |
By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter
Master director Im Kwon-taek may have 100 films under his belt, but he considers his upcoming project, "Dalbit Gireo Oligi" ("Scooping Up the Moonlight"), his "debut piece".
"I hope this will be called my first ― rather than 101st ― film, a debut piece that breaks away from the framework of the 100 Im Kwon-taek-marked films I've made in the past", the 75-year-old cineaste told a crowded press room in Seoul, Tuesday, ahead of the shooting that begins next month.
He even "broke up" with his old working partner, cinematographer Jung Il-sung, in order to venture into the world of digital cinema for the first time. Two years ago at the opening reception of the 1st Cinema Digital Seoul film festival (CinDi), he had said it was a genre that he "must learn".
"I just decided to run headlong into it", he said, "I wanted to contradict expectations and work with something new and contemporary, and I hope to project myself into the medium whil... |More
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| Korean Films Earn Intl. Critical Acclaim (Source) |
2009/06/18 |
The 2009 Cannes Film Festival closed its curtains on May 24th.
A total of 10 Korean films were invited to screen at Cannes.
Director Bong Joon-ho's "Mother - 2009" was invited to compete for the "Un Certain Regard" prize, receiving great praise in the process.
Park Chan-wook's "Thirst" took home the Jury Prize.
And once again, Cannes provided an opportunity to show the world what Korean films are all about.
Recently, Korean films have been showing their best side at the world's top film festivals including Cannes, Berlin and Venice.
Behind their success is what some might call "cinema diplomacy".
Since the launch of the Pusan Film Festival in 1996, a host of international festivals are introducing Korean films to viewers around the world every year.
This led to "Strokes of Fire", by Im Kwon-taek winning Best Director in 2002, and Park Chan-wook winning the Grand Prix at Cannes two years later with "Old Boy".
The same year "3-Iron" was awarded Best Director at Venice.
Why can'... |More
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| Korean Presence 12th Shanghai Int'l Fest (Source) |
2009/06/12 |
The 12th edition of the Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF) is underway June 13 -21 with Korean presence strong throughout including 2 films in competition, and a retrospective on veteran director IM Kwon-taek who will also preside over the 5-member Asian New Talent international jury.
Korean film "Rough Cut" by debut director JANG Hoon competes alongside 15 features in the main international award section for various Jin Jue awards. Jin Jue jury president this year is Slumdog Millionaire director Danny Boyle. Korean producer OH Jungwan will also serve on this year's jury.
In the Asian New Talent competition section is hit Korean comedy "Scandal Makers" ("Speedy Scandal"), the directing debut by KANG Hyeong-cheol. The international jury, led by IM, will select the best feature and best director for awards worth RMB 150,000 each.
A special retrospective on the master director will include some of IM's most highly regarded works. From his 80s period is Venice-w... |More
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