The Seoul Film Center, which opened on November 28 in Chungmuro, Jung-gu, announced that it will begin renting out its theaters and shared office spaces from early next year, and will not charge rental fees until March.
On December 21, the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced this operational plan, stating, "We will support filmmakers and related organizations and institutions to actively utilize this public film space by reducing the initial operational burden of the Seoul Film Center."
Free Facility Rental Until March Next Year
The Seoul Film Center is equipped with three theaters, a shared office space, a multipurpose room, and a special exhibition hall. Its main facilities will be available for free on a flexible rental basis until March next year, after which, starting in April, rental will switch to a paid, regular reservation system.
The theaters are versatile spaces used for a variety of film-related events such as seminars and premieres, as well as educational and exhibition programs. Rental applications can be submitted on the Seoul Film Center website starting December 23.
Theater 1 seats 166 people and features a Dolby sound system, supporting both 35mm film and digital screenings. Theater 2 is equipped with 78 comfort seats, and Theater 3 has 68 recliner seats.
The shared office space is designed to foster creative activities and business exchanges among filmmakers, and is equipped with additional facilities such as meeting rooms, a break room, and lockers. Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis through the website starting December 29.
Theater Rental Applications Open December 23, Shared Office Applications Open December 29
Use of the shared office is managed through the Seoul Film Center's filmmakers membership system, and any filmmaker registered in the integrated ticketing system (KOBIS) can join the membership.
In addition, the Seoul Film Center held a special retrospective on Korean film production companies and a memorial screening for the late actress Kim Jimi this month. From December 20 to 31, a retrospective of actor Ahn Sungki is being held. From January 9 to 29 next year, the center will host the "Korean New Wave" special exhibition, highlighting the Korean film New Wave era of the 1980s and 1990s.
Furthermore, the Seoul Film Center operates a regular monthly screening program for independent and art films.
In December, the center is screening five independent films-"People and Meat," "Full Speed Ahead," "House of Encounters," "It's Okay, It's Okay, It's Okay!," and "Invasion"-as well as three art films: "Conclave," "Ghost Cat Anju," and "Ugly Sister."
In January, six independent films will be screened, including "After My Death," "Next Sohee," "Thunderbird," and two short film collections, along with four art films: "The Godfather" Parts 1 and 2, "8½," and "Life Is Beautiful."
All films shown at the Seoul Film Center can be booked through the center's website or the Ditrix website.
Joo Yongtae, Director General of Economic Policy at the Seoul Metropolitan Government, stated, "We will support filmmakers by providing facility rentals and workspaces so that the Seoul Film Center can be actively used as a place for creation, exchange, and presentation," adding, "We aim to develop the Seoul Film Center into a hub for the film industry and culture, where industry professionals can freely communicate and collaborate."
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