Festival for Independent Films

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 with real-life problems in a straightforward way. Some want to delve into social issues, including suicide. Others speak on behalf of society's outcasts, namely the disabled and migrant workers".

A packed house greeted the festival's opening film "Let's Finish" by director Hwang Cheol-man.
The movie portrays three youngsters who seek to commit suicide with an unexpected twist.
Another headliner is "Butterflymole" by director Seo Myeong-soo.
This feature film shows the tension and exhaustion experienced by subway train drivers.
There's also a documentary that explores the vanishing of animals due to road construction and speeding cars on highways.

RECORDED: "Seventy-six selected films from home and abroad will be shown over nine days. Foreign films have been invited to stimulate indie filmmaking in Korea. The grand prize winner will go home with around 16-thousand dollars".

Korea's cinema landscape is dominated by major studios, but the festival is encouraging moviegoers to get a better idea of domestic indie films.
Organizers say they want to assist up-and-coming and aspiring indie filmmakers in eventually providing a new vision for Korean films.
They say they hope the films can ultimately extend their reach to other countries.

Son Heekyung, Arirang News.

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