The third Korean Film Festival in Australia (KOFFIA) announced its full program for 2012, with the Festival now spanning its native Sydney, Melbourne and for the first time, Brisbane.
The program features a Panorama of new titles, including Hong Sang-soo’s In Another Country and Im Sang-Soo’s The Taste of Money, direct from the Melbourne International Film Festival. Modern classics include everything from Park Chan-wook’s Oldboy to the animated The King of Pigs, as well as Kim Ki-Duk’s self-reflective documentary Arirang.
There’s also a short film competition now open, and we suspect that The Reel Bits may be involved in this somehow. Stay tuned.
Here’s the full list, with KOFFIA’s commentary on the line-up:
Panorama
Our Panorama section showcases the latest release films from Korea that have either been commercially successful or critically acclaimed. Presenting a mixture of films from prominent auteur film-makers to first time directors, this year’s Panorama is a representation of the current state of the Korean film industry.
- War of the Arrows (2011)
- Sunny (2011)
- The Frontline (2011)
- Late Blossom (2011)
- The Taste of Money (2012)
- In Another Country (2012)
- The Day He Arrives (2011)
Modern Classics
This year, the festival will continue to present a host of Modern Classics of Korean cinema, films from the recent past that have received worldwide recognition and cult followings.
- Oldboy (2003)
- Christmas in August (1998)
- Spring Summer Autumn Winter… and Spring (2003)
- Animation
- Leafie: A Hen Into the Wild (2011)
- The King of Pigs (2011)
Documentary
A strong Documentary section will compliment this years trend for diversity, highlighting a sector of Korean cinema that has come along leaps and bounds in recent years.
- Arirang (2011)
- The Reason Why I Step (2011)
K-Mystery
Known for its dark outlook and twist and turns, K-Mystery will cover both the controversial and the creative with films that feature strong lead performances.
- The Client (2011)
- Bleak Night (2010)
- Silenced (2011)
K-Comedy
In 2012 we will present a spectrum focus on popular and prominent genres of Korean Cinema. Each year we will aim to highlight a new K-Genre as we reflect a strong aspect to what Korean cinema is all about. Filled will quirky characters and bold colours, K-Comedy shows the lighter side to Korean cinema. With almost 18 million admissions in Korea between them, these 3 films prove that comedy is no laughing matter!
- All About My Wife (2012)
- Speedy Scandal (2008)
- Detective K: Secret of the Virtuous Widow (2011)
International Short Film Showcase
For the first time KOFFIA will present a selection of the best and latest short films from Korean filmmakers. With directors based both in Korea and the USA, the KOFFIA International Short Film Showcase will see 11 Australian premieres and 1 Sydney premiere take place in 2012.
- A Brand New Journey (2010)
- See You Tomorrow (2011)
- Making Noise in Silence (2011)
- ExamiNation (2011)
- An Education (2012)
- Anesthesia (2011)
- Fly By Night (2011)
- Guest (2011)
- Lost in the Mountains (2009)
- Remember O Goddess (2011)
- Ghost (2011)
- Metamorphoses (2011)
- Mother Tongue (2003)
