Jeonju film fest side events to enliven long holiday weekend
The 26th Jeonju International Film Festival kicked off Wednesday with an opening ceremony at the Sori Arts Center in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province -- drawing film enthusiasts and industry professionals from around the world.
Now in full swing, the 10-day festival continues through May 9 with a packed schedule of screenings and events designed to take advantage of the long holiday weekend.
With South Korea enjoying a four-day break stretching from Saturday through Tuesday, the festival has lined up events that welcome cinephiles and casual visitors alike. Here's what's on offer beyond the screenings.
Behind-the-scenes chats
The festival's signature talk program, "Jeonju Talk! Talk!" features casual 40-minute discussions about filmmaking experiences at Once, Time Off, a stylish lounge-themed cafe in Jeonju's film district.
Saturday kicks off with "Women Making History," where documentary "Horoomon" director Lee Il-ha joins Japanese Korean cast members Shin Su-gok and her mother Keiko to discuss female protagonists who drive social change. The day continues with actor-directors Ryu Hyun-kyung and Lee Hee-jun sharing insights on their creative roles, followed by a session with actors from "Gule-Gule" and "Hideaway."
Sunday's lineup includes conversations with visual artists Lee Eun-hee and curator Kim Shin-jae, as well as a session with actors from "Home Behind Bars" and "Sua's Home" about their approach to character development. The documentary collective Pinks caps the day with reflections on their two-decade journey crafting films through a LGBTQ+ feminist lens.
Vintage projector display
A distinctive offering this weekend is "Photosynthesis Part 1," featuring filmmaker Lee Jang-wook.
The program includes screenings of Lee's early experimental works and his latest productions, complemented by a special live performance where two 16-millimeter projectors create an immersive audiovisual experience.
Screenings are set for Saturday and Monday mornings at Jeonju Digital Independent Cinema on Jeonju Movie Street, just off the shop-lined Gaeksa-gil in downtown Jeonju.
Open-air conversations
Located at the heart of Jeonju Movie Street, the festival's central stage in Ogeori Culture Square hosts "Talk in Spring," where visitors can meet filmmakers and actors in the open air while enjoying Jeonju's spring weather.
Sunday's highlight includes the team behind "Tastefully Yours," the first TV drama series to be officially invited to the festival, featuring directors Park Dan-hee and Han Jun-hee, and a star-studded cast with Kang Ha-neul and Go Min-si.
Films reimagined through design
One of the festival's most distinctive traditions continues with "100 Films 100 Posters," an open exhibition that pairs 100 films with 100 graphic design teams.
The event transforms venues throughout Jeonju into open-air galleries until May 9, with an extended run scheduled through May 31 at Subculture Center Jakdang, a multipurpose showroom located inside Jeonju's historic Nambu Market.
This year adds a fresh twist with "Salon," a two-day event on Sunday and Monday that brings together industry experts at the venue to discuss how visual design shapes festival identity.
Music meets cinema
Meanwhile, live music is set to spice up the mood throughout the weekend.
As part of the festival's "Jeonju Cinetour × Music" program, musicians including Jung Joon-il, Cheeze and Stella Jang will host screening-concert combinations where they perform live after showcasing films that have been major influences for them.
The festival is also presenting the "2025 Joseon Pop Performance" from Friday to Monday, showcasing a fusion of traditional Korean music and K-pop at various venues throughout the city.
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