Wanju County to Host 'Nonghanki Film Festival' from December 10 to 13

Six Films to Be Screened, Including "The Moment the Bell Rings" and "Hill of Secrets"

Wanju County in North Jeolla Province will host the 7th Nonghanki Film Festival at the Wanju Media Center from December 10 to 13.

Poster of the 7th Nonghanki Film Festival. Provided by Wanju County

According to the county on December 5, the Nonghanki Film Festival is a local film festival that has been jointly organized every year by the community group Gosan Rice Farming Dure (hereafter referred to as Byeodure) and the Wanju Media Center. This year, the festival will feature an even richer program thanks to the addition of voluntary support from local residents.

All of this year's films were recommended directly by residents. The lineup includes six films: "The Moment the Bell Rings" on December 10 at 7 p.m.; "3670" on December 11 in the afternoon; "Work and Day" at 2 p.m. and "Hill of Secrets" at 7 p.m. on December 12; and "When Summer Passes" at 2 p.m. and "The Old Oak" at 7 p.m. on December 13.

There will also be opening and closing stage performances. Before the screening on December 10, the youth band "Tornado Potato" from Gosan High School will give an opening performance, and on the evening of December 13, musician Kim Eondeok will perform at the closing ceremony.

Additionally, a special session with film music director Yeon Rimok is scheduled for the afternoon screening on December 12. Director Yeon has worked as a music director and musician on numerous films, including "Eungyo," "Tune in for Love," and "The World of Us."

On the morning of December 13, there will be a premiere of two films supported by the Wanju Media Center: "Stone" and "Why Are Beautiful Souls Angry?" Both works were completed with direct participation from local youth and residents, who were involved in everything from scriptwriting to acting, filming, and editing.

Some programs at this year's festival, such as performances by local artists, were made possible by contributions from residents.

Go Eunseol, a member of the Byeodure planning team, said, "Donations came in under various names, from shop owners to young farmers, and the fundraising target was quickly met. I hope this support will become a source of pride that nurtures the seeds of local culture."

Yang Nakyoung, president of Byeodure, added, "After finishing the rice harvest, the community gathers together for an event that feels like a living room where we comfort each other's lives. I hope this will be an opportunity to respect and empathize with our different voices and move toward greater solidarity."

Meanwhile, all programs at the Nonghanki Film Festival are free of charge and entry is on a first-come, first-served basis. During the festival, childcare staff will be available in the playroom, and a separate screening room will show films for children.