Spotlight on Korean Cinema at BIFFF 2025: Thrillers, Premieres, and more From April 8 to 20, 2025, at Brussels Expo, the Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival (BIFFF) will showcase a captivating selection of Korean cinema. This includes 10 feature films and one short film, with several making their European and Belgian premieres.  A highlight of the event is the new thriller, “An Old Lady with the Knife”, directed by MIN Kyudong, who will attend in person. The film, invited to the Berlin Film Festival this February, has yet to be released theatrically. Competing in BIFFF's prestigious Black Raven category dedicated to thrillers, it promises to be a standout. In the International Competition, “The Son” directed by NA Ji-hyun takes center stage. Joining the Black Raven Competition are thrillers “An Old Lady with the Knife” and Commission by SHIN Jae Min, while the animated masterpiece “Pig that Survived Foot-and-Mouth Disease”, directed by HUR Bum-wook, is nominated in the White Raven competition for innovative and undefinable films. For emerging filmmakers, the Emerging Raven Competition highlights “A Girl with Closed Eyes” by CHUN Sunyoung. Additionally, five Korean films will be featured out of competition: "I, The Executioner" by acclaimed director RYU Seung-wan, "Hitman" by CHOI Won-sub, "The Unrighteous" by KIM Seonkuk, "Hidden Face" by KIM Dae-woo, "Handsome Guys" by NAM Dong-hyup. Don't miss this unique celebration of Korean cinema at BIFFF 2025!   *Click here to visit the BIFFF official website for more details.    Film Screenings Schedule *Please click the title of the film for more information   "I, The Executioner" by RYU Seung-wan April 9 at 16:30 @ Cine 1   "A Girl With Closed Eyes" by CHUN Sunyoung April 10 at 21:00 @ Cine 2   "Pig That Survived Foot-and-Mouth Disease" by HUR Bum-wook April 11 at 21:00 @ Cine 2   "Hitman2" by CHOI Won-sub April 13 at 05:50 @ Cine 2  *This screening is part of "The Night: Movies," which features four film screenings throughout the night   "The Old Woman With the Knife" by MIN Kyu-dong April 15 at 21:15 @ Cine 1   "The Son" by NA Ji-hyun April 16 at 16:30 @ Cine 1   "Commission" by SHIN Jae Min April 16 at 21:00 @ Cine 2   "The Unrighteous" by KIM Seonkuk April 18 at 16:00 @ Cine 2   "Hidden Face" by KIM Dae-woo April 18 at 21:00 @ Cine 2   "Handsome Guys" by NAM Dong-hyup April 19 at 21:30 @ Cine 1     (Short Film) "Wanna Die Wanna Kill" by JEONG Jaehee April 19 at 12:30 @ Cine 2

ANIMA 2025 - Korean Short Animation Films "Circle" directed by Yumi JOUNG Short Film, Republic of Korea (2024/6’) International professional short films Screenings March 1(Sat) / 19:30 @ Flagey - Studio 5     March 7(Fri) / 21:30 @ Flagey - Studio 4 *Please click here for more information & tickets [Synopsis] The girl draws a circle on the ground. Passers-by step into it, one by one. Soon, the circle is full of people, struggling to stay within. When the girl returns and erases the circle, people set off again. "A Small Garden by the Window" directed by Jonghoon LEE Short Film, Republic of Korea (2024 / 4’) International short films for children Screenings Mar. 1(Sat) 15:00 @ Flagey - Studio 5 Mar. 4(Tue) 15:00 @ Flagey - Studio 5     Mar. 6(Thu) 14:45 @ Marni     Mar. 9(Sun) 15:00 @ Flagey - Studio 5 *Please click here for more information & tickets [Synopsis] With the help of small drops of water in his bag, a benefactor prevents a fire from destroying everything. He ensures that animals and plants can return. Director Jonghoon Lee creates the same universe here as in his previous film, Architect A.

2024 Korean Film Festival Forum Poster ©KoreanCulturalCenter to Belgium & the EU 12th Korean Film Festival Belgium Special Forum “Originals & Re-Imagined Films” Sept. 28, 2024 @ Cinema Palace *Free Admission Reservation Mandatory 1st Session: 17:30 - 18:30 “Panel Talk” Dr. Agnes Schneeberger / European Audiovisual Observatory (Online) Ms. Won Eunyoung / Korean Film Council Film Streaming Platform Operator / SOONER.BE Prof. Andreas Niehaus / University of Ghent 2nd Session: 18:30 - 19:30 “Masterclass” Film director Kim Jee-woon (discussing “Illang” and his strategies for making films from originals such as animations or novels) *There will be an interpreter KO-EN The Korean Cultural Center in Brussels is delighted to host a special forum during the 12th Belgian Korean Film Festival. This year’s theme, “Originals and Re-Imagined Films,” reflects current global film industry trends and explores how various media—such as films, musicals, games, novels, and webtoons—are transformed into new genres. Titled “Originals and Re-Imagined Films,” the forum will delve into the film markets and trends in Europe and Korea. Experts from various fields will discuss the unique characteristics of each sector and share their insights on the future of the film market. The forum will take place on Saturday, September 28, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at Cinema Palace and will be divided into two sessions. The first session will feature a panel discussion with a film market analyst, a film streaming platform operator, a professor of language and cultural studies, and an analyst from the Korean Film Council. The second session will be a master class led by world-renowned Korean filmmaker Kim Jee-woon, focusing on his film Illang, an adaptation of an animated film. Kim will share his production methods and experiences in adapting original works into films, including Illang and his other notable works.

12th Korean Film Festival Belgium Poster ©KoreanCulturalCenter to Belgium & the EU 12th Korean Film Festival Belgium; Sept. 26 - Oct. 3, 2024 *Please click here for more information It's time to prepare for an extraordinary cinematic experience as the Korean Film Festival Belgium (KFFB) returns for its 12th edition. From September 26 to October 3, 2024, experience the enchantment of Korean cinema with 14 diverse films spanning various genres over 8 exhilarating days. This year’s festival presents three captivating sections, and a special highlight for film enthusiasts: the renowned director Kim Ji-woon will be joining us as a distinguished guest to engage with the audience. Do not miss this exceptional opportunity to celebrate the finest in Korean film culture. Section 1; Kim Jee-woon's Films Film director Kim Jee-woon, renowned for his unique blend of ‘images’, diverse ‘stories’, and distinct ‘depth’, has significantly contributed to the global recognition of Korean cinema. His films span different genres, highlighting his quest for the ‘challenge to novelty’. From his comedic debut ‘The Quiet Family’ to the dark thriller ‘I Saw the Devil’, each film demonstrates his outstanding directing talents. His adaptations, ‘The Age of Shadows’ and ‘Illang; The Wolf Brigade’, have been transformed into unique films under his direction. His 2023 film ‘Cobweb’ prompts audiences to contemplate cinema’s essence and value. This year, Director Kim Jee-woon will engage with the audience at the opening ceremony and during a master class. The <Kim Jee-woon’s Films> section will feature three of his works; the opening film ‘Cobweb’, ‘Illang; The Wolf Brigade’, and ‘A Bittersweet Life’. We invite you to immerse yourself in the world of Director Kim Jee-woon’s films. Section2; Recent Films In 2024, Korean films have gained significant traction across various platforms, including theaters and online streaming services. This year’s ‘Recent Films’ Section aims to bring these trending topics to the international audience like never before. Korean films are unique in their blend of sophisticated contemporary sensibilities with traditional storytelling and genre appeal. This section will feature a total of seven films, including the closing film ‘The Roundup: Punishment’, which drew an audience of 10 million viewers in Korea in the first half of the year. Other highlights include ‘Citizen of a Kind’, a film based on a true story, the distinctive thriller ‘Following’, and the film ‘Escape’, which combines military action. Additionally, ‘Project Silence’ offers a disaster thriller experience. This program promises a diverse range of Korean films, from action and thrillers to independent films and dramas, ensuring an unforgettable festival experience for film enthusiasts. Section3; Re-Imagined Tales The Re-Imagined Tales section at this year’s film festival promises an exciting lineup of audiovisual content. From movies and series to animations and web dramas, the festival showcases diverse formats, each with its unique length, style, and editing approach. Korean cinema, in particular, is boldly reinterpreting original works, drawing inspiration from webtoons, novels, and animations. Simultaneously, it’s birthing innovative creations that transcend traditional boundaries, such as musical adaptations and game-inspired narratives. We are presenting four films, “Troll Factory” and “Concerning My Daughter”, which are based on novels; and “Brave Citizen” and “Kids Are Fine”, based on webtoons. Additionally, we’ll delve into the transformation of original animations into full-length movie with ‘Illang: The Wolf Brigade’ directed by director Kim Jee-woon, a special guest of the festival. Mark your calendars for the forum scheduled on September 28th, where experts will discuss these exciting cinematic adaptations. *More information in detail about the films, screening schedule, locations, etc. will be updated soon.

In another country Still Cut ©KoreanCulturalCenter to Belgium & the EU Special screenings of HONG Sangsoo's films From April 30th until end of May, 2024 Cinémathèque de la Ville de Luxembourg (17 Pl. du Théâtre, 2613 Ville-Haute Luxembourg, Luxemburgo) The Cinémathèque de la Ville de Luxembourg pays tribute to one of the most influential Korean filmmakers, HONG Sangsoo, with the screening of six of his films including “Oki's Movie” and “Right Now, Wrong Then” from April 30 until the end of May 2024. About the director Hong Sangsoo (1960-) is a Korean film director and screenwriter. He started his theater studies in CHung-An University but he quit. In 1982 he moved to study in the California College of Arts and Crafts. At that time he started producing his first short films. After a few years of living abroad and experimenting with short films, he moved back to Korea, started to work as a TV show producer, and in 1996 he made his debut with The Day a Pig Fell into a Well, and shocked the Korean filmmaking industry. His movies helped as an inspiration as graduation films in Korea’s film schools. He has now released more than twenty films, nominated to different awards, among them Cannes 63rd Edition, Gijon International Film Festival, Berlin’s Film Festival and much more! Also, he has also won many awards in his mother country as well as International Competitions. Hong Sangsoo is nowadays one of the best film directors that Korea has, his style is very particular and that is the reason for his successful career. Here is a list of the different films that will be presented in Cinémathèque de Luxembourg and the screening schedules: Oki's Movie Still Cut ©KoreanCulturalCenter to Belgium & the EU Oki’s Movie (2010): Screening: April 30th at 18:30h May 20th at 20:45h 4 short love stories. Last one, Oki’s movie is about a film student and her affairs with two different men: her university professor, and another filmmaker student. Film that is represented in diverse perspectives and timelines. “ The film feels more like an exercise than a fully developed, interlinked narrative — it’s all a bit enervating and not especially penetrating.” (Hollywood Reporter) On the beach at night alone Still Cut ©KoreanCulturalCenter to Belgium & the EU On the beach at night alone (2017): Screening: May 7th at 18:30h Love story between a woman and a married man. Younghee decides to take a trip to Hamburg to visit a couple of friends. Daily conversations about love, life and adventures will confuse her to the point of asking herself about how important is love in your own life. “On the Beach” feels more raw and personal than some of Mr. Hong’s other work. His explorations of the miscommunications between men and women can turn into meditations, at times acute, at times coy, on the nature of cinema and the reliability of narrative” (New York Times) In another country Still Cut ©KoreanCulturalCenter to Belgium & the EU In another country (2012): Screening: May 9th at 18:30h May 23th at 20:30h Mother and daughter escape from their debt to a beach town. The young lady, due to boredom, decides to start writing a script. She ends up having three different varieties, all of them located in the same spots and protagonist by the same actors. Anne, the main character, is a french woman visiting the town and she ends up falling in love with different men. Different movies with the same structure, isn’t that curious? "He is interested neither in conventional realism — he drifts further away from it with each film — nor in equally conventional displays of self-consciousness, but rather in staging collisions between those two styles. A movie may be a representation of the world, but it is also something that happens in the world, which means that sustaining a cinematic illusion and breaking it are equally beside the point". (New York Times) Tale of cinema Still Cut ©KoreanCulturalCenter to Belgium & the EU Cine-Conference Hong Sangsoo / Tale of cinema (2005): Screening: May 13th at 19:00h Film divided into two parts. First part: a couple that just met that night end up swallowing a pill to end up with their lives after their attempt to spend the night together. Second part: the girl from the first part goes out from the cinema, and a man follows her. "Writer and curator Dennis Lim’s new book, Tale of Cinema, is concerned with these and other contradictions of sensibility in Hong’s work" (Slant Magazine) Right now, wrong then Still Cut ©KoreanCulturalCenter to Belgium & the EU Right now, wrong then (2015): Screening: May 16th at 18:30h May 30th at 20:30h Movie with two parts, each part is the same story but different somehow. A young painter meets a famous film director, they go to her art workshop and end up getting drunk with soju and attending her friend's party. Both start getting involved with each other, he is married but they have an affair. Second part starts. “Halfway through its running time, “Right Now, Wrong Then” starts over, reversing its title and reintroducing its central pair. They do some of the same things, but the tenor and texture of their time together is altered in ways both subtle and glaring.” (New York Times) Woman is the future of man Still Cut ©KoreanCulturalCenter to Belgium & the EU Woman is the future of man (2004): Screening: May 29th at 18:30h Two old friends have a predilection for the same woman, without knowing it. Both had an adventure with Sun-Hwa. They decide to reunite the three of them bringing back melancholic memories and more. Hong delineates character with the lightest of strokes, and his extremely long, serene takes provide well-defined time and space for the vast emotional shifts of tiny moments to register. He poses bodies with a natural yet balletic equipoise: rarely have intimate love scenes been at once so bluntly physical yet so dignified and dramatically precise. (New York Times) *Please click here for more information & tickets.