Five Korean films invited to Tokyo

This year a total of 5 Korean films will get the green carpet treatmentat the environmentally friendly 2010 Tokyo International Film Festival. Not to be confused with Toronto, the other 'TIFF', Tokyo is one of the biggest international film festivals in Asia, vying for attention with Pusan and Hong Kong. This year the festival will play mix of Korean films from big budget block busters to independents.

Currently screening in Korea and at #2 at the box office, "A Better Tomorrow" will receive a special screening at Tokyo. The film directed by Song Hae-seong is based on John Woo's 1986 genre defining hit of the same name. "Moss", another block buster, directed by "Silmido" helmer Kang Woo-seok is playing in the 'Winds of Asia/Middle East' section. The thriller which went to number one at the box office in Korea stars Park Hae-il ("The Host", 2006) as a man who gets caught up in a conspiracy when he goes back to his father's village to attend his funeral. In the same section is "Magic - 2010" directed by actor-turned-director Koo Hye-seon. Set in an art school and showcasing a number of musical genres the film premiered at this years Jecheon International Music & Film Festival. TIFF is also playing omnibus film "Camellia" which features stories shot in Pusan and directed by Thai, Japanese and Korean directors, and indy film "Passerby #3" directed by Shin Su-won, about a married woman's struggles to make a debut as a film director.

The Tokyo International Film Festival also features a Bruce Lee Retrospective and a special focus of films by next generation Taiwanese directors. The festival begins October 23 and runs nine days until the 31st.

David Oxenbridge KOFIC