The Korean Film Festival opened in Sydney on August 24 celebrating its 14th anniversary with a fresh line up of 13 films, delivering some of South Korea’s best flicks across Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane and Melbourne.
The Korean Culture Centre AU launched the Korean Film Festival in Australia (KOFFIA) in 2010 as a 5-day program in Sydney, screening only 8 films.
“This year, we’re showcasing a fresh lineup of 13 films, all making their Australian premieres,” Jihee Kim, the Korean Cultural Centre AU director and chair of KOFFIA, said.
The festival kicked off with the screening of The Night Owl (2022) by AN Tae-jin at Sydney’s Event Cinemas on George Street.
Other films screened this year include , Someone You Loved (2023) by HYUNG Seul-woo, Next SOHEE (2022) by JUNG July, and Hero (2022) by YOUN Je-kyoun (JK YOUN).
The festival’s opening night guests included KIM Dong-ho, the founder and ex-chairman of Busan International Film Festival, and the director of The Night Owl (2022), AN Tae-jin.
The aim is to promote Korean culture with a wide array of film genres this year that provide an “inclusive cinematic experience for audiences of all backgrounds and ages”.
“Our wish is for audiences to relish the films they choose,” Kim said.
“Whether it’s the gripping tension of a thriller, the unexpected laughter of a comedy, the emotional resonance of a drama, or the thought-provoking insights of an art house film, we aim to offer a diverse spectrum of cinematic journeys.
“Through our films, we offer a window into Korean culture, history, and society.”
When asked about future plans, Kim said the festival will remain committed to “providing opportunities to engage with films that embody Korean uniqueness”.
She said there are also plans to enrich the festival experience with a vibrant array of side events, such as discussions and cultural programs to allow viewers to “venture into cross-cultural experiences.”.
The KOFFIA has concluded its screening in Sydney (August 24 – 29) and Canberra (September 1-3), is screening in Melbourne’s ACMI from September 7 to 11, and in Elizabeth Picture Theatre of Brisbane from September 14 to 17.
