The Korean and Japanese Film Festivals are underway

Korean Film Festival 

This year marks a meaningful point in time between Korea and Australia, the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The last 60 years have given us an opportunity to share our cultures with one another and we’re proud that for the last 11 years, KOFFIA has played a vital role in strengthening this cultural bond through the films we program each year.

KOFFIA provides an opportunity for Australian audiences to discover cutting-edge filmmaking by some of Korea’s greatest cinematic storytellers.

Featuring 22 exquisite new Korean films, from across all genres. From haunting arthouse dramas, heart-pumping action, animations, thrillers and more, this stellar program of films promises to surprise and delight in equal measure.

Below: Double Patty. Writer-director Seung-Hwan PAEK (directing under the moniker Seung-Hawn BAEK) manages to pleasantly surprise, even after deliberately dropping a number of clichéd genre lures to hook the audience, only to serve up a thoughtful, bittersweet and genuinely heart-warming cinematic experience designed to question our fickle perceptions of contemporary relationships.

It’s such an exciting time for Korean cinema right now. In recent years with films like Parasite and Minari sweeping major awards across the globe, global audiences have developed a growing appreciation for the incredible artistry of Korean cinema. Of course, there are many more film discoveries to be had with our entire Festival program. I invite you to explore what’s on offer for KOFFIA this year and join us in celebrating some incredible Korean films.”

Jihee Kim, Director, Korean Cultural Centre Australia

Where and When

Brisbane has completed their showing and Canberra’s September dates have been postponed till mid October.  Please keep up to date with program scheduling via www.koffia.com.au

or Facebook: @koreanfimfestival

• Canberra: 14 – 18 October | Palace Electric Cinema
• Sydney: 14 – 23 October | Event Cinema George St
• Melbourne: 10 – 16 December| ACMI

Japanese Film Festival 

The Japanese Film Festival (JFF) in Australia makes a grand return to the cinema for its 25th year from 28 October to 5 December, with a national tour in Canberra, Perth, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.
Screening at the new venue of Palace Cinemas in each city, the 2021 Festival program will feature an expertly curated selection of films, from the hottest newly-released feature titles alongside action, anime, drama, documentaries and much more. Below: The life of the legendary Japanese ukiyo-e artist, Hokusai, in all its glory and setbacks.

JFF 2021 will also screen a FREE Tribute Series of films by Shuji Terayama, one of Japan’s most influential avant-garde film directors, in Canberra, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney as a part of the Festival program.
Plus, for seven days in November (15-21), a free online program of five films will be available for movie lovers and japanophiles from across Australia to enjoy from the comfort of home.

Where and When

• Canberra: 28 October – 2 November | Palace Electric Cinemas and NFSA
• Perth: 4 – 7 November | Palace Raine Square
• Brisbane: 11-21 November | Palace Barracks Cinemas & Palace James St Cinemas
• Melbourne: 18 November – 5 December | Palace Kino Cinemas and ACMI
• Sydney: 25 November – 5 December  | Palace Norton St Cinema; Palace Central Cinema; Palace Verona Cinema & Palace Chauvel Cinema

Online Highlights

Tora-san in Goto: A documentary shot from 1993 over 22 years chronicles a large family who make their living as udon noodle makers on the Goto Archipelago in Nagasaki Prefecture.

Dance With Me: Accidentally hypnotised Shizuka uncontrollably breaks into song and dance whenever she hears music.

Stay up to date with scheduling for the Japanese Film Festival at: www.japanesefilmfestival.net and on Facebook @japanesefilmfest