Malaysians are in for a cinematic treat with the 2024 Korean Film Festival, offering free screenings of popular Korean movies at GSC Gurney Plaza in Penang and GSC Mid Valley in Kuala Lumpur from August 23 to 25.
This three-day Korean Film Festival, part of the Visit Korea Year 2023-2024 campaign, will feature three captivating films that showcase Korea’s stunning landscapes and rich culinary traditions: Our Season, Picnic, and Canola.
The Korean Film Festival kicks off with an opening ceremony in Penang, a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its vibrant food culture, making it the perfect setting for this cultural exchange between Malaysia and Korea.
Headlining the Korean Film Festival is Our Season (2023), a magical fantasy drama that tells the heartwarming story of a deceased mother who is granted a three-day vacation to spend time with her daughter, offering viewers a glimpse into the bittersweet bonds of family.
Next on the lineup is Picnic (2023), a poignant tale starring the legendary Na Moon-hee, honored with the Bo-gwan Order of Cultural Merit, and Kim Young-ok, a frequent award winner at Korean film festivals. The film follows two elderly friends and in-laws as they reunite after 60 years to revisit their idyllic hometown of Namhae, an island renowned for its breathtaking scenery. Their journey is a touching exploration of enduring friendship and the passage of time.
The festival concludes with Canola (2016), featuring Youn Yuh-jung, who won an Oscar for her role in Minari, and Kim Go-eun, recipient of the Rising Star Award at the New York Asian Film Festival. The film delves into the unique culture of Jeju Island, focusing on the emotional reunion between an elderly female diver, known as a ‘Haenyeo,’ and her long-lost granddaughter after 12 years apart.
Organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Malaysia, the Korean Film Festival promises more than just films. The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) will showcase popular travel destinations like Busan and Jeju, alongside cultural experience programs featuring traditional hanbok attire, classic Korean games, and K-beauty products.
In collaboration with AirAsia, KTO will also hold a lucky draw at the event, with exciting prizes, including round-trip tickets to Korea. Attendees visiting the KTO promotional booth can also explore a variety of K-food products, presented by Korea Agro-fisheries & Food Trade Corporation and local convenience store chain CU, highlighting Korea’s diverse culinary offerings.
All screenings at the Korean Film Festival are free, with tickets available on a first-come, first-served basis through the GSC website, mobile app, or ticketing kiosks at Gurney Plaza in Penang and Mid Valley Megamall in KL, starting today (Aug 16).
For more information and the full movie schedule, visit www.facebook.com/koremy.eng or www.gsc.com.my.
