26 Films to Be Screened at Gwangju Theater and Gwangju Independent Cinema
Opening Film: "Soyoung's Effort" by Director Oh Jaehyung
Conversations with Directors and Filmmakers' Night Also Scheduled
On June 22, the Gwangju City Government announced that the Gwangju Independent Film Festival, a central event for the region's film culture, will be held over four days from June 26 to 29 at Gwangju Theater and Gwangju Independent Cinema.
This year marks the 14th edition of the Gwangju Independent Film Festival, with the theme "Vitamin F(ilm)." The festival aims to offer a small boost of energy to audiences weary from daily life. It is expected to provide comfort and hope in everyday life through the unique vitality and sensibility of independent films.
The opening ceremony will be held at Gwangju Theater, followed by screenings at Gwangju Independent Cinema. During the festival, a variety of side events will also take place, including the Gorilla Fund-sponsored scenario pitching, a local film network forum, and a Gwangju Filmmakers' Night, all designed to invigorate the local film culture.
The opening film for this year's festival is "Soyoung's Effort" by director Oh Jaehyung. This work, which depicts a young person with a disability expressing themselves through dance, delivers a profound resonance to the audience through earnest gestures and sparkling eyes.
The opening film will be screened in a barrier-free version, with audio descriptions and subtitles to ensure that citizens with visual or hearing impairments can fully enjoy the film's emotional impact. The opening film will be available to all citizens free of charge (first-come, first-served), with no need for reservations or payment. It is also the first film to be screened after Gwangju Theater's complete replacement of its projector, screen, and sound system, adding further significance to the Gwangju Independent Film Festival.
This year, the Gwangju Independent Film Festival will screen a total of 26 films. Audiences can experience a variety of sections, including "Made in Gwangju," featuring works produced by Gwangju-based creators that vividly capture local identity and contemporary themes; "Gwangju New Directors," which highlights the present and future of Gwangju cinema through works by young directors with fresh perspectives and sensibilities; "Director Song Wonjae Special," focusing on the creative world of director Song Wonjae, who has long contributed to the local film ecosystem; and "Quebec National Day," showcasing films from the Quebec region of Canada.
After the screenings, there will be "Conversations with Directors," where audiences can hear firsthand stories about the background and creative intentions behind the films. Except for the opening film, tickets for all other screenings can be reserved through the Gwangju Independent Cinema website and the Dtrix reservation platform.
Lee Sinhwa, head of the Content Industry Division, said, "We hope the Gwangju Independent Film Festival will grow into a meaningful cultural event connecting citizens and creators," and added, "We wish for all citizens to experience healing and empathy through the power of film."
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