KCCI Hosts 3rd Edition of New Delhi Korean Film Festival from November 28 to 30
New Delhi [India]: The Korean Cultural Centre India (KCCI) commenced the much-awaited 3rd New Delhi Korean Film Festival on November 28, 2024, at its main auditorium. The three-day event celebrates the richness of Korean cinema and its growing resonance with Indian audiences.
This year’s festival features a handpicked selection of four critically acclaimed films, including ‘Our Season’ (2023), ‘Minari’ (2020), ‘Confidential Assignment 2: International’ (2022), and ‘Exhuma’ (2024). Each film represents the diversity and depth of Korean storytelling, showcasing universal themes of love, resilience, and adventure.
Day 1: A Grand Opening: The festival opened with a reception that treated attendees to authentic Korean delicacies inspired by the opening film, Our Season. Guests relished vegetable kimchi, Korean dumplings (mandu), and makgeolli, setting the tone for an immersive cultural experience.
The highlight of the day was the screening of ‘Our Season’, presented by the film’s celebrated director, Yook Sang Hyo. Known for his award-winning screenwriting, Yook has previously received accolades at prestigious Korean film festivals, including the Baeksang Arts Awards and the Blue Dragon Film Awards. Following the screening, he participated in an engaging ‘Cine Talk’ session, where he shared insights into his creative process and answered questions from the audience.
A Festival That Resonates with Audiences
The free tickets for the festival were in high demand, selling out within 10 minutes of release. The overwhelming response reflects the growing love for Korean cinema among Indian viewers, who have long embraced Korean culture through K-pop and K-dramas.
The festival lineup was curated based on an online survey conducted among Delhi residents, ensuring that the films resonate with local audiences while offering a window into Korea’s unique emotions and narratives.
A Platform for Cultural Exchange
The New Delhi Korean Film Festival aims to bridge cultural gaps and foster mutual understanding through the universal language of cinema. “As interest in Korean culture continues to grow in India, we are committed to offering tailored events that deepen appreciation for Korean films,” said Hwang Il Yong, Director of the Korean Cultural Centre India. “Our goal is to create a platform where Indian audiences can enjoy Korean cinema as comfortably as they do K-pop and K-dramas.”
What’s Next?
The festival will continue over the next two days, featuring screenings of ‘Minari’, a heartwarming tale of a Korean-American family; ‘Confidential Assignment 2’, a high-octane action film; and ‘Exhuma’, a gripping mystery drama. Each film promises to captivate audiences with its compelling storytelling and cinematic brilliance.
As the festival unfolds, it continues to provide an enriching experience that celebrates the power of cinema to connect people across cultures. Film enthusiasts and Korean culture lovers have much to look forward to in the days ahead.
The New Delhi Korean Film Festival runs until November 30, 2024, at KCCI.
