23rd Jeonju Film Festival Opens at Endemic Large Dome... Declares Revival of Festivity

Jeonju International Film Festival Opens on 28th
Commitment to Normalization Amid Eased Quarantine Measures

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] The Jeonju International Film Festival opened its 23rd edition, announcing a "complete restoration of its festive spirit."

On the evening of the 28th at 7 PM, the opening ceremony of the 23rd Jeonju International Film Festival was held at the special large dome in Gosa-dong, Wansan-gu, Jeonju City. Prior to the ceremony, the red carpet event was attended by over 150 guests, including directors Lee Chang-dong and Im Kwon-taek, and actors Na Moon-hee, Kim Kap-soo, Kwon Hae-hyo, Park Ha-sun, Oh Ji-ho, Gong Seung-yeon, and Park Bo-ram.

The opening ceremony was hosted by actors Jang Hyun-sung and Yoo In-na. Although the festival had been scaled down over the past two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year it focused on declaring a return to normalcy in line with eased quarantine measures. Kim Seung-su, the organizing committee chairman and mayor of Jeonju, declared the opening by proclaiming, "Jeonju is cinema."

The festival runs until the 7th of next month across five theaters and 19 screening rooms in the Jeonju Film Street area, showcasing 217 films from 56 countries. Among these, 94 are domestic works, with nine films?including eight feature films and one documentary?competing in the competition section.

The opening film is "After Yang," the new work by Kogonada, director of "Pachinko." Set in the future, the film offers a profound reflection on human nature. Lead actor Justin Min returned to Korea for the first time in six years to attend a press conference.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Special exhibitions are also organized during the festival. A special retrospective of director Lee Chang-dong titled "Lee Chang-dong: The Truth of the Invisible" will be held. Following last year's actor Ryu Hyun-kyung, director Yeon Sang-ho will engage with audiences as the "J Special: Programmer of the Year." Additionally, various events such as a retrospective of Taehung Film Company will take place.

On the 29th, a statement supporting Ukraine will be announced, and on the 1st of next month, the documentary film "You Are Cho Kuk," which deals with the conflicts surrounding the appointment of former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk, will have its premiere screening.

The closing film is "Full Time," directed by ?ric Gravel, which tells the story of a single mother raising two children alone while living in the suburbs of Paris, France.