The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Malaysia will host the Korean Film Festival 2024 at GSC Gurney Plaza in Penang and GSC Mid Valley in Kuala Lumpur from August 23 to 25.
In conjunction with the Visit Korea Year 2023-2024, this film festival will showcase three films that highlight Korea’s beautiful nature and diverse cuisine: ‘Our Season,’ ‘Picnic,’ and ‘Canola.’
The opening ceremony will be held in Penang, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular culinary destination, adding significance to the cultural exchange event between the two countries.In addition to the film festival, the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) will introduce famous Korean tourist destinations such as Busan and Jeju. They will also feature cultural experience programs like hanbok and traditional games, as well as K-Beauty products, including Korean cosmetics.
Notably, in collaboration with AirAsia, KTO will offer various prizes, including round-trip tickets to Korea, through a lucky draw for attendees who visit the KTO promotional booth after enjoying the Korean Film Festival. Furthermore, Korea Agro-fisheries & Food Trade Corporation(aT), in partnership with the local convenience store chain CU, will showcase an array of K-Food products, such as convenience store snacks and beverages, highlighting the diverse charms of Korea.
The opening film, ‘Our Season (2023),’ tells the story of “Jin-ju (Shin Min-a),” whose deceased mother, “Bok-ja (Kim Hae-sook),” returns to the living for a 3-day leave. However, Bok-ja finds her daughter Jin-ju not as a professor at a prestigious American university, but back in her hometown of Gimcheon, Gyeongsangbuk-do* (with filming locations in Jeongseon, Gangwon-do**), running a humble restaurant.
Audiences can not only enjoy the snowy winter landscapes for which Gangwon-do is famous, but also watch scenes of a daughter recreating her mother’s recipes, such as kimchi stew and japchae, meticulously crafted by a food stylist. These scenes offer a glimpse into the everyday home-cooked meals that Koreans love.
* Gyeongsangbuk-do, Gimcheon: A small city in southeastern South Korea, known for its mountainous terrain.
** Gangwon-do: A province in northeastern South Korea, characterized by its mountainous regions and long, snowy winters.
The second film, ‘Picnic (2023),’ features actresses Na Moon-hee, who received the prestigious Bo-gwan Order of Cultural Merit from the Republic of Korea, and Kim Young-ok, who has won acting awards at various Korean film festivals. The story revolves around Eun-sim (Na Moon-hee) and Geum-soon (Kim Young-ok), friends and in-laws, who reunite after 60 years to visit their hometown of Namhae*. As they reminisce about their teenage years, the film beautifully captures their enduring friendship. This film, invited to open the 28th Busan International Film Festival, showcases the stunning landscapes of Namhae and Gijang, Busan, and delivers a poignant portrayal of friendship and love that will resonate with audiences of all ages.
* Namhae: An island in the southern part of Korea known for its picturesque scenery.
The third film, ‘Canola’ (2016), features the performances of actress Youn Yuh-jung, who won the Best Supporting Actress at the 93rd Academy Awards for the movie ‘Minari,’ and Kim Go-eun, who received the Rising Star Award at the New York Asian Film Festival. Gye-chun(Youn Yuh-jung), a female diver from Jeju island, reunited with her lost granddaughter, Hye-ji(Kim Go-eun) for the first time in 12 years. The villagers grow increasingly suspicious of Hye-ji, who seems somewhat dubious, but Gye-chun embraces her. The profound love of a grandmother for her granddaughter, combined with the beautiful nature of Jeju Island, delivers a deeply moving experience. Additionally, the film offers a glimpse into the unique culture of Jeju Island, including its female divers ‘Haenyeo’ and dialect.
All films are free to the public, with tickets available on a first-come, first-served basis through GSC e-payment (website and mobile app) or at the GSC ticketing kiosks at Gurney Plaza, Penang, and Mid Valley Megamall, Kuala Lumpur, starting at noon on August 16.
