Yang Hae-hoon (양해훈)

Culture Ministry Theater Highlights Indie Films

2007/12/01 | Source | Permalink |

Some people like indie films because they want to see something unusual or offbeat.
Others watch them to catch up and coming directors.
Whatever their reason may be a theater in Seoul offers a spot for serious movie lovers to watch new films and meet the filmmakers.
Kim Youngwon reports.
While going to see a blockbuster is the norm for many people others prefer lesser-known movies.
Fortunately for them the Ministry of Culture and Tourism has a theater especially for indie film fanatics.
The ministry's central Seoul building houses the theater and every Friday showcases films from directors looking to make a name for themselves.

"MFM, standing for 'Mini Film Market' is a place for movie lovers to come together and enjoy independent films. The public requests particular movies to be shown, which filmmakers and distributors then bring to the theater".

This week's pick is "Who's Knocking At My Door?" by director Yang Hae-hoon, known for dark pieces, and said to be one of Korea'...| More

The Fruits of Korean Independent Film Support

2007/10/31 | Source | Permalink |

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 Fro...| More

Who's That Knocking at My Door? Local Release

2007/10/23 | Source | Permalink |

After screening in the Korean Cinema Today – Visions section of the 12th Pusan International Film Festival, "Who's That Knocking at My Door?" became one of the Korean highlights, receiving very positive mentions from both Variety and The Hollywood Reporter, the two top US entertainment trade magazines. Premiering at the 8th Jeonju International Film Festival earlier this year, Knocking won the Audience Critics' Award which made it the recipient of the CJ-CGV Releasing-Support Project for Korean Feature Film.

The English title of the film appears to pay homage to Martin Scorcese's first feature film which shares the same title and a similar theme involving rape. The 28 year old director YANG Hae-hoon also wrote the screenplay which revolves around a young loner, Je-hwi, who was tormented by a classmate named Pyo in high school. Now a young adult, Je-hwi begins to open up after meeting Jang-hui, his girlfriend. However, a revenge plot he had hatched against Pyo with a stranger he ...| More

PIFF Asian Cinema Fund 2007

2007/08/23 | Source | Permalink |

The newly created Asian Cinema Fund (ACF) will launch this year as part of the 12th Pusan International Film Festival (PIFF), providing financial support 27 film projects in an effort to further bolster the region's filmmaking talent. The support program will bring a cash total of US$ 840,000 to projects designated under three categories: the Independent Feature Script and Project Development fund (8 projects selected), the Independent Feature Post-Production Support fund (6 projects selected), and the previously existing Asian Network of Documentary (AND) fund which will support production and post for 13 projects selected this year.

The Korean Film Council (KOFIC) will contribute to the Independent Feature Post-Production Support fund along with other private and public sector sponsors. The fund will provide cash for digital intermediate processes to be carried out in South Korea. Of the six films chosen, two are from emerging Korean directors KIM Dong-hyun ("Hello, Stranger...| More

[BRIEFLY] 'Dear Rosseta' to go to Cannes

2007/05/14 | Source | Permalink |

"Dear Rosseta", a 10-minute-long film by independent movie director Yang Hae-hoon that details a girl named Jang-Hee fleeing from her father, will compete for the short film award at the 60th Cannes International Film Festival May 16 to 27.

The movie was also a candidate for the Korean Short Film Award at the 8th Jeonju International Film Festival that took place from April 26 to May 4.

Director Yang's first feature film "Who's That Knocking At My Door?" depicting a troubled teenage boy entering adulthood, won the CGV Korean Independent Feature Film Distribution Support Award and the Audience Critics Award at the Jeonju film festival. ...| More