Hwasun Cheongpung Elementary to Produce Feature Film "Grandmother, Me, and the Dandelion"

All Students Participate... A Touching Coming-of-Age Drama
Superintendent Kim Daejung Makes a Special Appearance as Music Teacher
To Be Submitted to the "Small School Film Festival" in December

On July 3, Hwasun Cheongpung Elementary School in South Jeolla Province announced that it will produce a 50-minute feature film titled "Grandmother, Me, and the Dandelion," with participation from the entire student body. This film builds on the experience of producing three short films last year, and will involve students both as actors and crew members.

Notably, teachers at the school will also appear as actors, performing alongside the students. Kim Daejung, Superintendent of Jeonnam Office of Education, is scheduled to make a special appearance as a charismatic music teacher.

Hwasun Cheongpung Elementary School is producing a feature-length film titled "Grandmother, Me, and the Dandelion," involving the entire student body. Photo by Cheongpung Elementary School

Superintendent Kim's participation began with the relationship formed when Cheongpung Elementary students were invited to the "1st Jeollanam-do Office of Education Small School Film and Video Festival" last year. During a conversation with the student director, Kim readily accepted the invitation to appear in the film. In the movie, Kim will play the role of a music teacher who fulfills the students' heartfelt wishes, taking on a "tall uncle" character.

Filming will take place at Cheongpung Elementary School, in the village, and at the abandoned mine, utilizing local locations. With the support of Hwasun County and the participation of local residents, the project is drawing significant attention as a community film. The story centers on the conflicts and incidents that arise as a grandmother suffering from dementia, her granddaughter, and Cheongpung Elementary students explore the Hwasun Coal Mine.

The Hwasun Coal Mine, which began operations during the Japanese colonial period, closed its doors after 118 years of history. Through playful banter and squabbles, the students learn about the history of Hwasun and the sacrifices of coal miners, ultimately coming to understand the value of friendship and family in this coming-of-age film.

'Grandmother, Me, and the Dandelion' is set to be produced as a coming-of-age film about friendship and the importance of family, set against the backdrop of Hwasun Coal Mine. Courtesy of Cheongpung Elementary School

The film is directed by Park Kibok, a native of the region. Park is the head of Mudangbeolle Film Company and runs a Hollywood film school. He has consistently produced and mentored films for children and adolescents.

Director Park stated, "Through a 'one-stop' film production approach, the Office of Education and Hwasun County are collaborating to create a work with global competitiveness that goes beyond the local community," adding, "This film will play an important role in revitalizing small schools and addressing the crisis of population decline."

"Grandmother, Me, and the Dandelion" is scheduled to complete filming at the end of July. After preview screenings at the school and in Hwasun County, it will be submitted to the "2nd Jeollanam-do Office of Education Small School Film and Video Festival" to be held in December. The film also aims to be submitted to domestic and international film festivals, with the goal of winning awards.