Korean Film Festival Returns To The UAE: Here's What You Need To Know
The annual Korean Film Festival is set to return to the UAE next month, featuring eight films centered around the theme of 'freedom'. This year, the festival will expand beyond Abu Dhabi to include screenings in Dubai for the first time since its inception in 2017. Organized by the South Korean Embassy and the Korean Cultural Centre, the festival will kick off at Vox Cinemas at Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi on July 4 and run until July 7. It will then move to Vox Cinemas at Dubai Festival City Mall from July 12 to 14.
The festival aims to explore the theme of 'freedom' through a diverse range of genres, including comedy, mystery, musical, and historical drama. Tickets for each film are priced at Dh35, and all films will be shown in Korean with English subtitles, except for the animation film Pororo Movie: Dragon Castle Adventure, which will have English dubbing and Arabic subtitles.
Lee Yong-hee, cultural attache of the South Korean Embassy, expressed excitement about bringing the Korean Film Festival to Abu Dhabi and Dubai. He emphasized that the event not only showcases the rich and diverse storytelling of Korean cinema but also strengthens cultural ties between South Korea and the UAE. He invited everyone to join in celebrating freedom through film.
The festival lineup includes a variety of films that highlight different aspects of Korean cinema. One of the films, "Road to Boston", is a biographical sports film based on true events. It takes place two years after South Korea's liberation from Japan and tells the story of Suh Yun-bok, a young marathon runner preparing for the Boston Marathon in 1947. Coached by Sohn Kee-chung, a former marathon runner who won gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, Suh aims to win the Boston Marathon and represent South Korea on the world stage.
Another film, "Love Reset", is a comedy that follows the story of Jung-yeol and Nara, a couple who get married despite opposition from their families. After a car accident causes them both to lose their memory, they fall in love again. However, their families come up with an elaborate plan to help them recall their memories and complete the divorce.
The historical war action film "Noryang: Deadly Sea" depicts the Battle of Noryang, the final major battle of the Japanese invasion of Korea from 1592 to 1598. The film follows Admiral Yi Sun-sin as he forms an alliance for one last battle in the Noryang Straits, aiming to annihilate the Japanese navy by breaking their blockade.
For animation enthusiasts, "Pororo Movie: Dragon Castle Adventure" is the seventh installment in the Pororo the Little Penguin franchise. It tells the story of Arthur, the dragon king whose power gets sealed in a red jewel called Dragonheart. With the help of Pororo and his friends, Arthur sets off on a journey to regain his strength and restore his kingdom.
Other films in the lineup include "Sleep", a thriller about a newlywed couple dealing with sleepwalking; "Hero", a historical musical drama based on the true story of a Korean independence activist; "Dream Palace", a drama about a widow starting a new life in a new apartment complex; and "Alienoid Part 2: The Return to the Future", a continuation of last year's film about a protagonist trapped in the past.
The Korean Film Festival promises to be a captivating event that showcases the diverse and dynamic storytelling of Korean cinema. With its expansion to Dubai, more audiences will have the opportunity to experience the creativity and talent of Korean filmmakers. The festival serves as a platform for cultural exchange between South Korea and the UAE, fostering stronger ties between the two countries. Don't miss this chance to celebrate freedom through the power of film.
Sign in with Google