Daily Busan
Maritime film festival makes waves in cinema
The Korea International Ocean Film Festival 2023 will take place in Busan, the “City of Film and Ocean,” from July 21 to 23.
The film festival, which began as “Sea & See” in 2015, will take place at two venues: Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae-gu district and Amir Park in Yeongdo-gu district. People of all ages are invited to immerse themselves in the wonders of the ocean through captivating films.
Under the theme of “Across Different Seas,” 29 sea-centric films from 10 countries will be screened over three days. The opening ceremony will take place on July 21 at 6 p.m. in Amir Park. Viewers will enjoy “Patrick and the Whale,” a film about one man’s single-minded quest to connect with and understand a sperm whale. After the screening, star of the film and award-winning wildlife filmmaker Patrick Dykstra will meet the audience.
Other movies to enjoy include “Havana Libre,” directed by Corey McLean, about a small group of passionate surfers who seek to legitimize surfing in Cuba, where the sport is illegal; and “Sura: A Love Song,” directed by Hwang Yun, which depicts the natural devastation resulting from the Saemangeum Reclamation Project, a large-scale national project in Korea to build 44 kilometers of seawall.
In addition to film screenings, the festival’s Guest Visit program invites filmmakers, critics and marine experts to share insights and experiences with audiences. Furthermore, there will be interactive booths where visitors can enjoy hands-on activities such as toy fishing games.
Please note that screenings at the Busan Cinema Center required tickets booked in advance. On the other hand, moviegoers at Amir Park can enjoy the films for free. For more information, visit the festival’s official website (kioff.kr/eng).
※ The Korea International Ocean Film Festival 2023, July 21 to 23
◎ Website: kioff.kr/eng/
◎ Venues:
• Busan Cinema Center: 120 Suyeonggangbyeon-daero, Haeundae-gu
• Amir Park: 55 Haeyang-ro 301beon-gil, Yeongdo-gu
◎ Instagram: @kioff.official
◎ Reservations: Busan Cinema Center: dureraum.org/bcc/mcontents/progView.do?rbsIdx=226&progCode=20230711001
◎ Inquiry: 051-790-9413 or kioff.one@gmail.com