Korean Films Bookend San Francisco IAAFF

Korean films will take center-stage at this year's 27th San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival (SFIAAFF). Lee Yoon-ki's latest drama "My Dear Enemy", starring Cannes Best Actress winner Jeon Do-yeon ("Secret Sunshine"), will kick off the festival March 12.

The official closing film will be Korean-American director Kim So-yong's second feature, "Treeless Mountain" on March 19, although the festival continues screenings until the 22nd. KIM's sophomore effort is her first shot entirely in Korea and tells the tale of two young sisters shuffled off from mother to aunt to grandparents. It has won numerous prizes including best film at the Dubai Int'l Film Festival.

Opener, "My Dear Enemy" also stars Ha Jeong-woo, one of the most visible stars of 2008. It tells the tale of woman (JEON) collecting a debt from her ex-boyfriend (HA) who takes her on an enlightening journey through Seoul as he borrows cash from various friends to pay her off. Actor HA came to SFIAAFF in 2008 when he starred in Gina Kim's "Never Forever".

Another HA vehicle, "The Chaser", directed by Na Hong-jin will also screen at SFIAAFF this year in the International Showcase section. This tale of an ex-cop-turned-pimp hunting down an elusive serial killer (HA) was the first sleeper hit at the 2008 Korean box office.

In the same section is "TOKYO!" an omnibus co-production featuring Korean director Bong Joon-ho (The Host) along with Leos Carax and Michel Gondry each contributing a segment on the celebrated city. Short films by Korean directors in the program include "The Postcard", "His Wedding", "Here at Last", and "A Green Mountain in the Drawer".

Nigel D'Sa (KOFIC)