Korean Film Showcase to be Held in Japan

The Korean Film Council (KOFIC) is to hold a showcase event in Tokyo, Japan from December 8 - 14, to introduce 9 Korean films to Japanese viewers.

The event is a result of KOFIC's continuous efforts to expand the market base for Korean films in Japan by presenting Korean films of both quality and commercial value. Furthermore, it is important to note that Korean films exported to Japan will receive support with their theatrical release.

During this week-long event at Cinequanon of Tokyo, Japanese viewers will be able to see 9 Korean films across a varied spectrum such as Beyond the Years, the monumental 100th feature from director Im Kwon-taek, and "200 Pounds Beauty" which was a big success in Korea, as well as "Our School", a record breaking independent documentary.

The films to be shown during the Korean Film Showcase in Japan are as follows;

"200 Pounds Beauty"

"Family Ties" ("The Birth of a Family")

"Paradise Murdered"

"Beyond the Years"

"Bunt"

"My Father"

"Like A Virgin"

"Bi-sang"

"Our School"

Of special note, on December 9th, the second day of the showcase, a panel discussion is will be presented. AN Cheong-sook, the chairperson of KOFIC, LEE Bong-woo, the representative of Cinequanon, Kim Yong-hwa, director of "200 Pounds Beauty" and actress Moon So-ri of "Family Ties" ("The Birth of a Family") will attend to discuss the future of Korean films in Japan by reviewing success stories in the two countries and presenting future prospects under the title, 'Power of Movies Going Beyond Borders'.

Apart from the showcase, on the 10th and 11th of December, film experts from Korea and Japan will gather in Tokyo for '2007 Japan Business Campus', to seek measures to enhance cooperation and expansion of movie markets in Korea and Japan.

Following the success of last year's China Business Campus, this year's Business Campus will be held at Tokyo's Conference Square M+, as a roundtable debate between directors, producers, and experts in the investment field from Korea and Japan. Participants from Korea include Cha Seung-jae, chairman of Korean Film Producers Association, Jonathan KIM who produced "Silmido", and director kwak Jae-Yong who directed "My Sassy Girl".

Professionals from the two neighboring countries had to rely solely on individual networks until now. By getting together at this year's Japan Business Campus, they will be able to evaluate present film industry conditions in Korea and Japan, anticipate future developments and furthermore make plans for co-production projects between the two countries, making the event more meaningful than ever.

For more information, contact Ms. E. J TAE ([email protected]).