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Korea Herald
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
African Film Festival returns with screenings in Seoul, Busan and Jeonju
Festival to showcase 15 films from 15 countries, with post-screening talks and Asian premieres The Korea-Africa Foundation will hold the 7th edition of its annual African Film Festival from May 20 to June 15 in Seoul, Busan and Jeonju. The festival will open at Lotte Cinema Dogok in Seoul from May 20-26, move to Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae from May 27 to June 1 and conclude at Jeonju Digital Independent Cinema from June 12-15. This year's lineup features 15 films from 15 countries, spanning drama, documentary, thriller, adventure and comedy. The selections were recommended by the African Group of Ambassadors in Korea. The opening ceremony will take place at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Lotte Cinema Dogok, welcoming officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and members of the local film industry. Moroccan Ambassador to Korea Shafiq Hashadi is expected to deliver congratulatory remarks. Egypt's "Photocopy" (2017) has been chosen as the opening film to mark the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Korea and Egypt. Directed by Tamir Ashry, the film follows Mahmoud, a retiree who finds new purpose and unexpected romance while running a small copy shop. Other notable entries include the Nigerian fantasy epic "Anikulapo" (2022), which follows a young man whose affair with a king's wife sends his life in unexpected directions, and Sudan's "Goodbye Julia" (2023) directed by Mohamed Kordofani, where a North Sudanese woman, haunted by guilt over a murder, takes in the victim's widow and son from South Sudan. The festival also features "The 600: The Soldiers' Story" (2019) from Rwanda making its Asian premiere — a gripping account of 600 soldiers who rescued thousands of civilians during the 1994 genocide. Audiences can take part in post-screening talk sessions featuring film experts in Seoul on May 23, Busan on May 30 and Jeonju on June 13. Separate Q&A sessions with directors and cast members are scheduled in Seoul on May 24 and Busan on May 27. Screening schedules and further details are available on the Korea-Africa Foundation website. Tickets can be purchased via the websites of Lotte Cinema, Busan Cinema Center and Jeonju Digital Independent Cinema.
Korea Herald
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Jeonju film fest side events to enliven long holiday weekend
Talks, exhibitions and more for visitors over 4-day break 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.
