It is with great pleasure and excitement that I extend my warmest greetings to all of you at the 2023 Korean Film Festival in Singapore. This annual celebration of Korean Film has become a cherished tradition, showcasing the rich cultural tapestry and cinematic excellence of Korea to our friends here in Singapore.
This year, under the theme of ‘Bridge’, we selected 13 films that can showcase Korean culture and lifestyle and bridge Korea and other worlds beyond the border. This symbolizes our commitment to not only showcase exceptional Korean films but also to highlight how these cinematic creations can be conduits for cultural exchange and understanding.
Among these captivating works, I am delighted to highlight AJOOMMA, a groundbreaking film that stands as the fruit of the first-ever collaboration between Singapore and Korea. The realization of this joint venture has been truly meaningful, strengthening the bond between our two countries, through the universal language of movie.
Another remarkable highlight is the screening of the Korean-Japanese joint production, A MIDSUMMER’S FANTASIA. It proves that when nations come together, cinematic magic can unfold on-screen. As part of our endeavor to amplify voices and perspectives, we are proud to collaborate with the Seoul International Women’s Film Festival. Furthermore, we are privileged to present a documentary shedding light on the life and artistry of Nam June Paik, an international artist who has not only transcended borders with his work but has also redefined the possibilities of creative expression.
May this Korean Film Festival in Singapore not only entertain but also serve as a cultural bridge, fostering deeper mutual understanding and friendship between our nations. I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the Singapore Film Society (SFS) and its partners who have worked tirelessly to make this event possible. Your dedication and support have played a crucial role in making this festival a grand success.
Welcome to the Korean Film Festival in Singapore – where cultures converge, stories unite, and the magic of cinema knows no bounds.
Thank you and 감사합니다 (Gamsahamnida).
H.E. CHOI Hoon
Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Singapore
Promoting movie appreciation in Singapore is a uniquely beautiful mission with which to be entrusted.
Despite the challenges and changes brought about by both the Covid-19 pandemic and the proliferation of alternative media consumption platforms to compete with Cinema, the habit of watching movies on the big screen remains very much a national way of life. And amongst the wide (and very widely-welcomed) repertoire of films released every week in more than 200 cinemas islandwide, Korean content consistently ranks high in terms of both commercial and critical accomplishments.
Some people might then wonder, why the need for so many film festivals throughout the year – sometimes as many as five within one month – and why a Korean one, when awareness and popularity are already so high?
For more than 60 years, we have been asked this type of question, as Singapore’s national cultural organisation dedicated to the promotion of film appreciation. Our answer has remained simple and consistent. Movies don’t just entertain or inform viewers. Movies touch people’s hearts. Inspire new perspectives. Build bridges of knowledge and understanding, of curiosity and passion, of art and industry.
Cinema is about life.
And although many excellent Korean films are theatrically released in mainstream cinemas in Singapore, there are so many more that richly deserve an opportunity to be made known to fans here. As well as ‘landmark’ productions that have earned a permanent place in the history books of both Korea and Singapore; our opening film AJOOMMA being a fine example of not just consumption but creation of movies in and by both countries working together.
It is my professional and personal joy and honour, together with my team, to have the privilege of working with the Embassy of the Republic of Korea to bring this year’s Korean Film Festival to one and all. I warmly wish everyone a most fulfilling time at the movies
Kenneth TAN
Chairman
Singapore Film Society
