Korean Cinematheque Association Joins Solidarity Petition
Criticism Over "Disregard for 15 Years of Social Consensus"
Leading Korean filmmakers, including directors Park Chanwook and Bong Joonho, have voiced their support for the Korean Cinematheque Association's demand to restore the original Seoul Cinematheque plan.
On September 1, the Korean Cinematheque Association announced that eleven directors-Park Chanwook, Bong Joonho, Lee Myungse, Kim Jiwoon, Byun Youngjoo, Ryoo Seungwan, Oh Seungwook, Lee Kyoungmi, Lee Haeyoung, Jung Sungil, and Jung Yoonchul-have joined a solidarity petition calling for the restoration of the original Seoul Cinematheque plan and the withdrawal of the bidding announcement.
These directors have previously participated in the "Friends of Cinematheque Film Festival," advocating for the need to establish a dedicated venue. Director Kim Jiwoon stated, "That is the true essence of a cinematheque and the only way to uphold the pride of a culturally advanced nation." Director Jung Yoonchul described the cinematheque as "a cradle where the past and present connect and where the films of the future are born." Other directors also criticized Seoul City's decision as a "misjudgment," reminding the public that this is the result of fifteen years of collective effort by the film community.
In addition to the association and the directors, organizations such as Indiespace, the Korean Independent Film Association, the Korean Art Theater Association, the Women Filmmakers' Association, and the Korean Screenwriters' Guild also participated in the solidarity petition.
The Seoul Film Center, scheduled to open this month, was originally designed with the goal of establishing the Seoul Cinematheque. However, last year, both its purpose and name were changed to "Seoul Film Center." The Korean Cinematheque Association criticized this move, stating, "The Seoul Metropolitan Government unilaterally changed the plan without discussion or agreement with the film industry or civil society," and called it "an act that disregards fifteen years of social consensus."
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