Dapsimni Film Media Art Center Becomes Branch of Korean Film Archive

Dapsimni Film Media Art Center to Become a Branch of the Korean Film Archive

Dongdaemun Cultural Foundation Signs MOU with Korean Film Archive on the 22nd... Special Screening of Restored Classic Korean Films to Begin in April

Dapsimni Film Media Art Center Becomes the Second Branch of the Korean Film Archive after Busan Cinema Center

Dongdaemun Cultural Foundation (Chairman Lee Pil-hyung) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Korean Film Archive (Director Kim Hong-jun) at 3 p.m. on the 22nd at the Dapsimni Film Media Art Center to revitalize local film culture and expand the base of Korean cinema.

The Korean Film Archive, located in Mapo-gu, Seoul, is a special corporation under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, established on January 18, 1974. The Archive contributes to fostering national cultural sentiment through collecting, restoring, preserving, and exhibiting domestic and international film materials (films, videos, documents, audio materials, etc.), publishing Korean film history, and providing online services.

Through this MOU, both organizations pledged to cooperate in ▲promoting projects to expand the base of Korean cinema ▲screening domestic and international classic and art films ▲exchanging educational and exhibition programs ▲providing Korean film multimedia services within the Dapsimni Film Media Art Center, enabling local residents to enjoy diverse film cultures.

Additionally, as a result of this agreement, the Dapsimni Film Media Art Center will hold the status of a branch of the Korean Film Archive, becoming the second such branch after the Busan Cinema Center. The center plans to collaborate with the Korean Film Archive on various programs including films, exhibitions, and database services.

In particular, starting in April, the Dapsimni Cinema, the film screening hall on the first floor of the center, will host a special screening of restored classic Korean films. This event, co-hosted with the Korean Film Archive, will also feature exhibitions related to Korean cinema in the center’s exhibition hall.

The screening lineup includes restored films such as Obaltan, The Coachman, Wildfire, Whale Hunting, and the animation Heungbu and Nolbu.

To commemorate the signing of the MOU, a special screening of the silent film The Prosecutor and the Female Teacher (1948), featuring a live narrator (special appearance by Choi Young-jun), was held at Dapsimni Cinema. Visitors to the center shared their impressions, saying, “The narrator’s live commentary and lively songs allowed us to fully experience the atmosphere of watching old films.”

Kim Hong-jun, Director of the Korean Film Archive, stated, “Through this MOU, we will share the diverse film-related materials held by the Korean Film Archive with the residents of Dongdaemun-gu and take the lead in revitalizing the local film culture.”

Lee Pil-hyung, Chairman of the Dongdaemun Cultural Foundation, said, “We will build a continuous network with the Korean Film Archive to provide local residents with access to diverse and rare film materials through cooperative programs and strive for the development of Korean cinema.”

The Dapsimni Film Media Art Center, operated by the Dongdaemun Cultural Foundation, was established to preserve the historical and cultural value of the Dapsimni Comprehensive Film Studio area, which led the golden age of Korean cinema in the 1960s. It contributes to expanding opportunities for local residents to enjoy film and media culture, nurturing film and media professionals, and spreading artistic creative culture.

‘4th Asia Flamenco Festival’ to be Held at Songpa Women’s Culture Center at 7 p.m. on the 24th

3 p.m. Experience Programs: ▲Wearing Flamenco ▲Learning Flamenco Dance

7 p.m. Passionate Flamenco Performance with Dancers from Around the World!

Songpa-gu (Mayor Seo Gang-seok) announced that the ‘4th Asia Flamenco Festival’ will be held at 7 p.m. on March 24 at the Songpa Women’s Culture Center, featuring world-renowned dancers from Spain, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and more.

The ‘4th Asia Flamenco Festival’ is hosted by the Korea Arts Flamenco Culture Center and the Songpa Women’s Culture Center to provide residents with more diverse cultural enjoyment opportunities.

Flamenco, a representative performing art culture of Spain, is a composite art consisting of dance, singing, and instrumental performance. Its passionate dance moves and unique rhythms were recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2010.

The event’s flamenco performance will begin at 7 p.m. in the large auditorium on the 6th floor of the Songpa Women’s Culture Center. Five flamenco artists from around the world and 20 Korean flamenco artists will come together to present about 13 passionate and intense dance pieces.

The opening performance features a baritone vocalist joining three flamenco dancers on stage to perform the “Song of the Toreador” from the opera Carmen. Following this, attendees will enjoy lively dances such as ‘La Cumparsita,’ ‘El Vito,’ ‘Chimhyangmu’?which combines Korean pansori and gayageum performances with flamenco dance moves?‘Buler?as’ featuring guitar, singer, and dancers, and ‘Sevillanas,’ a folk dance from Seville performed by 10 flamenco dancers.

Additionally, experience programs are available to get closer to flamenco. From 3 p.m., a photo zone titled ‘Wearing Flamenco’ will be set up in the first-floor lobby, allowing visitors to try on flamenco costumes and indirectly experience Spanish culture.

There will also be a special opportunity to learn flamenco dance through the ‘Learning Flamenco Dance’ program. About 20 residents who pre-registered will be taught the dance, and on-site participation is also possible.

Songpa-gu provides high-quality cultural performances every month through the Songpa Cultural Foundation to create an environment where residents can easily access arts and culture. In February, the district planned the Daehangno play The Directors, and in March, the opera Carmen.

Seo Gang-seok, Mayor of Songpa-gu, said, “Flamenco is a dance and music that expresses beauty with fiery passion. This flamenco festival will be a valuable opportunity to offer residents a unique cultural experience. I hope many people come to enjoy the vivid flamenco performances and feel the energy and passion with their whole bodies.”