Korean Film Festival 2006
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Korean film has received much international recognition recently, and we have seen a visible trend of Korean filmmakers producing films of international interest. New Zealanders will have the chance to experience the exciting Korean film industry and culture in the Korean Film Festival 2006 coming to Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch in December.Korean film has received much international recognition recently, and we have seen a visible trend of Korean filmmakers producing films of international interest. New Zealanders will have the chance to experience the exciting Korean film industry and culture in the Korean Film Festival 2006 coming to Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch in December.The Korean Film Festival is sure to be an exotic and educational experience for all. Korean cultural performances will be held during the intervals between some of the screenings to give attendees a fuller experience and appreciation of Korean culture.
The films include one of Korea's recent blockbuster hits, The Host.
Variety Magazine said of The Host: "On almost every level, there's never quite been a monster movie like "The Host". Egregiously subverting its own genre while still delivering shocks at a pure genre level, and marbled with straight-faced character humour that constantly throws the viewer off balance, this much-hyped big-budgeter about a huge mutant tadpole that emerges from Seoul's Han River is a bold gamble that looks headed to instant cult status. - with Visual f/x, supervised by Kevin Rafferty ("Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace)."
You will see New Zealand creative talent in this film also, as the initial VFX design work on the creature in The Host was undertaken in conjunction with Richard Taylor's team at Weta Workshop.
The 2006 Korean Film Festival follows on from a highly successful inaugural 2004 Korean Film Festival in Auckland. The Right Honourable Helen Clark, Prime Minister, opened the inaugural Korean Film Festival, which was also attended by an array of Korean film stars. Due to this success, the 2006 festival has been expanded to provide screenings in Wellington and Christchurch.
The Korean Film Festival will screen in:
Auckland (December 1-7):
Wellington (December 4-6):
Christchurch (December 5-7):
"The 2006 Korean Film Festival is a superb opportunity to showcase to New Zealand audiences the broad diversity of contemporary Korean independent film. The festival is also a great chance to continue the growing links and creative partnership between New Zealand and Korean film makers" €” Michael Stephens, Co-Chairman of the Korean Cinerama Trust
Image: The Magicians (Mabeopsadul)