12th Edition of the Indian Film Festival in Korea
Press Release
The 12th edition of the Indian Film Festival in Seoul was inaugurated on November 26, 2024 at the Korean Film Archive [KOFA], with the screening of the film ‘Laapataa Ladies’. The Indian Film Festival in Seoul is being organized by the Embassy of India, Seoul in collaboration with KOFA from November 26 - 30, 2024, with the aim to showcase the diversity of Indian cinema to the Korean audience.
2. Ambassador Amit Kumar delivered the welcome remarks and congratulating KOFA for its 50th anniversary this year, he conveyed his gratitude to them for their continued and valuable support to the Indian Film Festival over the years. Ambassador also highlighted the role of the Indian Film Festival in providing the opportunity to explore the commonalities that unite the two countries, while celebrating the unique flavors that define their respective cultures.
3. Mr. Kim Hong-joon, Director, Korean Film Archive in his remarks underscored the role of the Indian Film Festival in broadening the understanding of Indian cinema amongst the Korean audience.
4. ‘Laapataa Ladies’, India’s official entry into the Oscars for 2025, is a family comedy-drama about discovering oneself, womanhood, and life itself. The film was thoroughly enjoyed by the Korean audience, who appreciated the social message the film conveys through a good blend of humor and sincerity.
5. Apart from ‘Laapataa Ladies’, the Indian Film Festival, this year, features five other critically acclaimed films, including the epic Baahubali series – ‘Bahubali: The Beginning’ and ‘Bahubali 2: The Conclusion’, and ‘Kantara’, which explores the ideological conflict of human and nature. The line-up of the films also includes ‘Three of Us’, a poignant story of finding solace amid loneliness through a character battling early-stage dementia, and ‘Dangal’, the story of a father raising his daughters strong to establish a name in a sport dominated by men. These films along-with offering a glimpse of the grandeur of the Indian film industry, showcase India’s rich traditional heritage, contemporary challenges, and its creative genius.
6. The Embassy along with its local partners - India Centre, Asia Culture Centre, Mirim Theatre, and KOFA held the screening of the 6 films in Yangsan (November 15 – 17), Gwangju (November 16 – 17), Incheon (November 23 – 24) and Seoul (ongoing; November 26 -30), and Busan screening is scheduled from November 28 - 30 at the Busan Cinema Centre.
7. The Indian Film Festival serves to strengthen the cultural exchanges between India and RoK, and enables deepening of the understanding of Indian culture amongst the friends in Korea. The festival is being organized as part of the Embassy’s annual flagship cultural event ‘Sarang - The Festival of India in the Republic of Korea’, which aims to introduce facets of the rich and diverse Indian culture, including classical dance performances, music, films, art exhibitions, culinary experiences, etc.
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