The 2024 Korean Film Festival in the Philippines is now open to the public, showcasing five fantastic films.
Organized by the Korean Cultural Center (KCC) in the Philippines, this year’s film festival has the theme “Chingu Kita,” which translates to “You are my friend.”
The theme is in celebration of the 75th anniversary of friendship and relations between South Korea and the Philippines.
The five Korean films to be shown this year are "Smugglers," "Love Reset," "Picnic," "Our Season" & "Inseparable Bros."
The schedule of the 2024 Korean Film Festival in the Philippines (KCC Philippines)
Here are the dates and cinema venues for the Korean Film Festival:
Sept. 27-29: SM MOA, SM City Baguio, SM Seaside City Cebu, SM City Davao
Sept. 25: FDCP Cinematheque Centre
Sept. 27-28: UPFI Videotheque
On Sept. 26, Consul General Sang Seungman of the Korean Embassy in the Philippines led the opening of the 2024 Korean Film Festival at Cinema 1 of SM Aura in Taguig.
Joining him were Marian Torre, head of Festival Divisions, Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP); Korea-based special visual effects company Westworld CEO Son Seung-hyun, Korea Culture and Tourism Institute's Lee Yun Kyung; Ruby Reyes, vice president for corporate marketing, SM Cinemas; Kevin Kua, SM Aura mall manager; and KCC Director Kim Myeongjin.
(From left) Project Development Officer Don Quilaman of the National Commission for the Culture and the Arts (NCCA); Kevin Kua, SM Aura mall manager; Marian Torre, head of Festival Divisions, Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP); Consul General Sang Seungman of the Korean Embassy in the Philippines; Korea Culture and Tourism Institute's Lee Yun Kyung; and special visual effects company Westworld CEO Son Seung-hyun at the opening of the 2024 Korean Film Festival at Cinema 1 of SM Aura in Taguig on Sept. 26 (Jonathan Hicap)
Korea-based special visual effects company Westworld CEO Son Seung-hyun, Korea Culture and Tourism Institute's Lee Yun Kyung; Ruby Reyes, vice president for corporate marketing, SM Cinemas; Kevin Kua, SM Aura mall manager; and KCC Director Kim Myeongjin.
“It is my great honor and privilege to welcome you all to the 2024 Korea Film Festival ‘Chingu Kita’ in celebration of the friendship, culture and the enduring ties between Korea and the Philippines,” said Consul General Sang.
He said the 2024 Korea Film Festival is special as this year is the 75th year of relations between South Korea and the Philippines.
“We will showcase five films that richly capture the different dimensions of friendship,” he added.
Consul General Sang Seungman of the Korean Embassy in the Philippines speaking at the opening of the 2024 Korean Film Festival at Cinema 1 of SM Aura in Taguig on Sept. 26 (Jonathan Hicap)
FDCP’s Torre said, “Congratulations as well to our chingus at the Korean Cultural Center for another successful edition of the Korean Film Festival. The success of the annual festival is a testament to the richness and vibrancy of Korean cinema which has captivated audiences around the globe, especially in the Philippines, with its unique narratives and artistic vision.”
“With the celebration of the 75th year of diplomatic relations between Korea and the Philippines, the FDCP continues to be a partner with South Korea in elevating Asian cinema and Asian films to achieve extraordinary heights and showcase it to the global stage,” she added.
Marian Torre, head of Festival Divisions of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) (Jonathan Hicap)
SM Aura mall manager Kua said, “We welcome every opportunity to focus film festivals such as this as film is a very powerful medium. Not only does it provide entertainment, it also has the power to bridge cultures and rich perspectives and enhance the understanding and appreciation for each other’s culture.”
“Again we would like to take this opportunity to commend the vision of the Korean Cultural Center for continuing to make this rich and unique cultural experience accessible to more and more Filipinos over the years,” he added.
SM Aura mall manager Kevin Kua (Jonathan Hicap)
The opening of the 2024 Korean Film Festival at Cinema 1 of SM Aura in Taguig on Sept. 26 (Jonathan Hicap)
The five films to be shown at the 2024 Korean Film Festival are:
Smugglers (2023) - The 44th Blue Dragon Film Awards’ Best Film about an action-packed tale of trust and survival. It stars Kim Hye-soo, Yum Jung-ah, Zo In-sung, Park Jeong-min, Kim Jong-soo, and Go Min-si.
Love Reset (2023) - A heartwarming comedy that redefines love and companionship starring Kang Ha-neul and Jung So-min.
Picnic (2024) - A touching short film about childhood friendship and adventure starring Na Moon-hee, Kim Young-ok, Park Geun-hyung, and Ryu Seung-soo.
Our Season (2023), a moving story about the bonds of friendship and family starring Kim Hae-sook, Shin Min-a, Kang Ki-young and Hwang Bo-ra
Inseparable Bros (2019) - A film that portrays the unbreakable connection between two brothers, starring g Shin Ha-kyun, Lee Kwang-soo and Esom.
The 2024 Korean Film Festival is supported by the Korean Film Council, Film Development Council of the Philippines, Korea Culture and Tourism Institute, SM Cinema, and the University of the Philippines Film Institute.