Zhang Lu (장률 (張律))

KOFIC to promote Korean films at Cannes

2008/05/15 | Source | Permalink |

The Korean Film Council (KOFIC) will be engaged in diverse efforts to promote Korean cinema at the upcoming Cannes Film Festival.

With five titles screening in various sections of the festival including KIM Ji-woon's "The Good, the Bad, the Weird" (Official Selection, Out of Competition), NA Hong-jin's "The Chaser" (Midnight Screenings), omnibus film Tokyo! (Un Certain Regard) which contains a contribution by BONG Joon-ho, PARK Jae-ok's animated short "STOP" (Cinefondation), and KIM Ki-young's 1960 masterpiece "The Housemaid" (Cannes Classics), KOFIC will be doing its best to provide advance publicity for the screenings. At the same time, it will exert efforts to support sales companies in the Cannes Market who are selling Korean films.

As usual, representatives will also operate the KOFIC Pavilion (Booth #122) in the International Village. The large booth next to the beach will provide a space where festival visitors can collect promotional materials and learn more about Kore...| More

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Korean Film Outfit 'Fine Cut' Launches

2008/02/12 | Source | Permalink |

Seo Yeong-joo, the founder and force behind Korea's Cineclick Asia, has launched a new company called Fine Cut, which will act as a sales agent for Korean and international titles, as well as investing in films and acquiring select foreign titles for the domestic market.

Seo, who launched the successful Cineclick six years ago, sold it last year to Fantom Entertainment in order to raise capital for project investment. When the purchaser's stock market share price dropped limiting the scope of its operations, Seo decided the best way to realize her vision was to start fresh, resulting in First Cut.

Her new company already has 17 titles on display at Berlin's European Film Market, many in post-production. Among them are NA Hong-jin's stylish debut thriller "The Chaser", Pusan winner ZHANG Lu's latest, "Iri", and Siddiq Barmak's eagerly anticipated "The Opium War".

Seo will continue to act as a consultant for Cineclick, and will be able to transfer some of the titles she i...| More

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HONG Sang-soo Added to Korean Film Directors Series

2007/11/06 | Source | Permalink |

An English book on director HONG Sang-soo, one of the most renowned auteurs at the Korean film scene, has been published following books on director IM Kwon-taek, KIM Ki-young, LEE Chang-dong and KIM Dong-won.

When HONG Sang-soo's debut work, "The Day a Pig Fell into the Well", was released in May 1996, the nation's film critics were thrown into shock. The cinematic language in the film was unprecedented in Korean film history. Since then, HONG has continued to show his own distinctive style with near perfection in his following works. This book, written by HUH Moon-yung, one of the most distinguished film critics in Korea, is intended to help readers to better understand the cinematic world of HONG Sang-soo. The book also includes analyses by prominent film critic, David Bordwell and renowned French film director, Claire Denis.

The publication is part of the 'Korean Film Directors Series', a project initiated by the Korean Film Council (KOFIC) to internationally promote Korean ...| More

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Movies From Mongolia Show Warm Humanity Bloom in Barren Deserts

2007/11/06 | Source | Permalink |

By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter

From the bleak wastelands of Mongolia come two heartwarming tales ― "Tuya's Marriage" and "Desert Dream" ― that speak about the incredible power of hope, courage and love in life. In the two movies, individual lives cross paths and stumble upon the unexpected. One desert woman leaves her disabled husband to remarry, only so that she can take care of her former spouse, and finds newfound meaning of love and self worth. Another one defects from North Korea with her son to find home ― and love ― in an unfamiliar place.

Tuya's Marriage

Winner of the 2007 Golden Berlin Bear, "Tuya's Marriage" tells the unforgettable story of a woman who breaks the conventional rules of marriage so that she can ― ironically ― honor them. In the middle of the vast desert in Inner Mongolia, Tuya leads a tough yet peaceful life with her husband and two children. But when an accident cripples her husband, she is forced to carry on, herdi...| More

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12th PIFF Wraps with Awards

2007/10/16 | Source | Permalink |

The 12th Pusan International Film Festival (PIFF) came to a close October 12 th after a 9 day run that drew a record-breaking attendance. An official tally of 198,603 admissions were taken during the event, up nearly 6000 from last year, while overall occupancy for screenings reached 75.8%. Both opening and closing films were sold out, with PIFF a total of 271 films from 65 countries.

Winners in the festival's only competitive section, New Currents, were announced at an award ceremony with 3 films sharing the honor, each winning US$30 000. Korean-Chinese director JIN Guang-hao won for his feature debut, the KOFIC-supported "Life Track" . Malaysian director Seng Tat LIEW won for his first feature "Flower in the Pocket", and Aditya ASSARAT of Thailand was awarded for his sophomore effort "Wonderful Town" . "Flower in the Pocket" also snagged the audience award, while the FIPRESCI award went to "The Red Awn" by CAI Shangjun of China.

JIN's "Life Track" is an unpretentious and stir...| More

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