Virgin Goes to Berlin

Korean coming-of-age comedy "Like A Virgin" was officially invited to the Generation 14-Plus Section of the 57th Berlin International Film Festival, slated to open February 8th, 2007.

"Like A Virgin" was invited to the prestigious festival because of its appeal to adolescent moviegoers, who will comprise the jury for the Generation 14-Plus Section. Berlinale programmers announced the selection Dec. 14th, saying the film shared a common theme with other films in the program, in which young people tackle the challenges in their daily lives by employing art in a creative way.

Released locally in August of this year, "Like A Virgin" is about a tubby high school boy who decides to compete in a traditional Korean wrestling competition to earn money for a transgender operation.

The film recently won Best Screenplay at the 27th Blue Dragon Awards, Korea's year-end film awards ceremony. It also grabbed a Best New Director award, shared by feature debut-duo Lee Hae-yeong and Lee Hae-joon.

Films in the Generation 14-Plus section will compete to win the coveted the Crystal Bear Prize. The 57th Berlinale will showcase a number of other Korean films, such as Hong Sang-soo's "Woman on the Beach" and E. J-yong (Lee Jae-yong)'s Dasepo Naughty Girls ("Dasepo Girl") in the Panorama section, and director Lee Yoon-ki's "Ad-Lib Night" in the Young Forum section. A complete list of the official selection has not yet been announced.

Nigel D'Sa (KOFIC)

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