Mexico's Guanajuato International Film Festival to screen 76 Korean films

Published on 2011/07/21 | Source

by KOFIC

The Guanajuato International Film Festival in Mexico, which will be held July 22 – 31, has chosen Korea as its main guest country this year, from which it will screen 76 films. These range from classics such as AHN Jong-hwa's 1934 film "Turning Point of the Youngsters" to a horror film showcase including "Whispering Corridors" and "Bedevilled", to retrospectives on directors Bong Joon-ho and Kim Dong-won.

This is the first time such a large Korean cinema special has been held in Mexico, a country which plays the role of a bridge to the Latin American region. KOFIC expects this to be a significant event introducing Korean society, culture and history through a variety of films.

In particular, this event will encompass not only film screenings but also the "Bilateral Co-production Forum: developing Industry dialog and co-productions between Mexico and the Republic of Korea" on July 28. Film producers, directors and international sales agents from both countries will participate in presentations and discussions on how to cooperate with each other in the sectors of production, co-production, distribution and exhibition. Chairman of KOFIC Kim Eui-suk will also give a keynote speech on the current state of Korean cinema and the trends of the past 10 years.

The film festival will designate this day 'Korea Day" and hold official events for the invited Korean film professionals including the forum and the opening of the Bong Joon-ho retrospective so that they can have a close exchange with the local Mexican film professionals.

Headed by chairman Kim Eui-suk, KOFIC has provided operational cooperation and budgetary support for the selection of Korean films and in putting together the forums. Also, in order to encourage active exchange in the region, KOFIC is providing support for some of the representative filmmakers to participate in the event.

KOFIC anticipates this special focus on Korea at the Guanajuato International Film Festival will be a good opportunity for Korean films to launch into the Latin American market.