KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians will get to watch Korean movies for free during the 2024 Korean Film Festival at GSC Gurney Plaza in Penang and GSC Mid Valley, here, from Aug 23 to 25.
Held in conjunction with the Visit Korea Year 2023-2024, the 3-day film festival will showcase three films that highlight Korea's beautiful nature and diverse cuisine, namely '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.
The opening film, 'Our Season' (2023), is a fantasy drama about a miraculous moment that happens when a deceased mother comes down from the sky on a three-day vacation and stays with her daughter.
The heartfelt film features scenes that offer a glimpse into the everyday home-cooked meals that Koreans love, as well as the beautiful landscapes of the Gangwon-do province in northeastern South Korea characterised 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 two old friends and in-laws who reunite after 60 years to visit their hometown of Namhae, an island in the southern part of Korea known for its picturesque scenery.
As they reminisce about their teenage years, the poignant film beautifully captures their enduring friendship.
The third film, 'Canola' (2016), features the performances of actress Youn Yuh-jung, who won 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.
Focussed on the relationship of an elderly female diver from Jeju Island who is reunited with her lost granddaughter for the first time in 12 years, the moving film offers a glimpse into the unique culture of the island, including its female divers 'Haenyeo' and dialect.
In addition to the film festival, hosted by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Malaysia, 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.
In collaboration with AirAsia, KTO will also 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, 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.
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 KL from today (Aug 16).
For more details and the complete movie schedule, visit www.facebook.com/koremy.eng and www.gsc.com.my.