The Fruits of Korean Independent Film Support

Consistent support provided for independent films by the Korean Film Council (KOFIC) in order to diversify Korean films is bearing various significant results.

First of all, a new venue 'INDIE SPACE' will open in Myeong-dong's Spongehouse (3rd floor of the old Joongang Cinema building). This is the result of a project to develop and promote an independent film theater network to secure screens to show indie films and enliven distribution and production. Films to be shown at INDIE SPACE will focus on independent feature films produced domestically, promising at least 2 weeks of screening, and also on introducing outstanding foreign films. There are also plans for special projects showcasing diverse independent films.

As its first event, an Opening Film Festival is to be held from Nov. 8~21, promoting INDIE SPACE. Films chosen for the festival include "Life Track" by Jin Guang-hao who received the New Currents award at PIFF, and director Yoon Seong-ho's "Milky Way Liberation Front", another film that gathered attention at many film festivals. The latter is slated to be the film that will have the premiere run at INDIE SPACE after the Opening Film Festival ends. During the preparation period in early November, several independent feature films will be shown, including "Who's That Knocking At My Door??" by director Yang Hae-hoon who was invited to this year's Cannes' Short Films competition section with "My Dear Rosetta".

KOFIC will provide its full support for the newly opening INDIE SPACE so that it will become a center for those who search for minor yet unique films, along with other ARTPLUS theaters such as CGV Movie Collage.

Secondly, independent film industry representatives from Korea and Japan will gather together to discuss and share ideas on the future of the two countries' independent films. This 'Korea-Japan low budget independent film forum', is to be held on November 2nd at Multiplex Cinus Isu, as part of the Pink Film Festival, which opens the 1st of next month. KO Young-jae, producer of the much talked-about independent movie of this year "Our School", will give a presentation with moderators on Korea's low budget independent films. From the Japanese side, Mr. Tomiyama, the head of Image Forum and Terawaki Ken, the former director of Japan's Agency for Cultural Affairs are to present their ideas on trends on Japan's low budget films and methods to vitalize markets of the two countries. After the presentations, Korean and Japanese independent film makers are to compare and analyze the film producing environment of the two countries and search for ways to promote exchanges and provide support.

KOFIC will not be satisfied with success that is merely viable, and will continue to implement its policy of actively supporting Korean films to continuously ensure its vitality and variety.