Cine-Asie has done a wonderful job programming some of the best Korean films at the Fantasia Film Festival. Each and every year we find new gems to champion including last year’s Castaway On The Moon, which made our end year list of best films.
Founded in 1996 by visual media artist Mi-Jeong Lee, Ciné-Asie aims to foster and encourage cross-cultural dialogue between Canada and Asia, as well as support the creation of independent works by Canadian filmmakers. The organization’s director Mi-Jeong Lee has been actively supporting Asian film-related events for the last 15 years. In 2010, Ciné-Asie revived its own film festival, AmérAsia, to support Asian-Canadian cinema.
2011 is no exception, and this year they have quite a few interesting events happening in and around the festival. Below you can find some information on these events as well as on info on some of the exceptional Korean films screening this year.
From the press release:
Until Sunday, August 7, Ciné-Asie invites audiences to discover the 2nd Korean Film Spotlight, a selection of 10 recent Korean films presented as part of the Fantasia International Film Festival. Following Ryoo Seung-wan’s visit to Montreal, two more up-and-coming Korean directors will be gracing the city with their presence during the next few days. Lee Joon-ik (THE KING AND THE CLOWN), also acting as a member of the jury for the main competition section at Fantasia, will host a screening of his latest feature, the epic parody BATTLEFIELD HEROES. Lee Hae-young (LIKE A VIRGIN) will attend the presentation of his newest film, FOXY FESTIVAL, a smart comedy about sexual secrets and desire.
Among the other feature films screening for the first time in Montreal: HAUNTERS (Kim Min-suk), a paranormal thriller; INVASION OF ALIEN BIKINI (Oh Young-doo), a contemporary Korean genre hybrid blending science fiction, comedy and action, as well as PETTY ROMANCE (Kim Jeong-hoon), a quirky and enjoyable spin on the romantic comedy genre, back for a third screening due to popular demand. Also joining the list are two outstanding short films: NIGHT FISHING by Park Chan-wook (OLDBOY) and Park Chan-kyong, which was shot entirely on iPhones and won a Jury Prize and Golden Bear Award at the 2011 Berlin Film Festival, and GHOST (Dahci Ma), fresh from competition at this year’s Cannes.
EVENTS
In addition to the 2nd Korean Film Spotlight, Ciné-Asie is proud to present a series of exciting cultural events. On Saturday, July 30 at 3PM, a free East-Asian Calligraphy Workshop, led by professional artists will, be held in the Atrium of Concordia University’s Webster Library Building (1400 de Maisonneuve Blvd. W.). Participants will learn how to write their names in Chinese, Japanese and Korean on artisan rice paper, using a traditional calligraphy brush. On Sunday, July 31 at 6:15PM, right before the screening of Lee Joon-ik’s BATTLEFIELD HEROES, audience members will be treated to an awe-inspiring traditional Korean Five Drum performance, filled with beauty, dexterity and strength.
In light of the success of last year’s events, Ciné-Asie will once again co-host an industry luncheon in partnership with the Fantasia International Film Festival. Aimed at media and cinema industry professionals, this event will provide a platform for networking as well as an exchange of knowledge on Asian and independent cinema.
The aforementioned Korean Film Spotlight and cultural events are sponsored by the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea, Citizenship and Immigration Canada, the Fantasia International Film Festival and Ciné-Asie Creatives Inc.
Thankyou
Ciné-Asie is celebrating the success of “Die Bad on Screen”, a Master Class on Action Cinema led by internationally acclaimed Korean director Ryoo Seung-wan. Held by Ciné-Asie on July 16, in collaboration with the Fantasia International Film Festival, the event was met with great enthusiasm from a packed house of over 80 media professionals and film buffs. The Master Class marked the second of its kind hosted by Ciné-Asie, a Montreal based, non-profit film and media organization (the first one was “Hong Kong Cinema VS Hollywood” in 1999 with director Johnnie To). In light of this remarkably enthusiastic response, Ciné-Asie plans to bring many more similar events to the city.