Stream K-Dramas at OnDemandKorea

Documentary Festival Bring Multiculturalism

By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter

Delve into the world of documentaries at the fifth Educational Broadcasting System (EBS) International Documentary Festival (EIDF) Sept. 22-28. While other networks present entertainment based on celebrities, fieldtrips and challenges, EBS brings real drama, laughter and emotion to television fans.

"Despite growing interest, it is true that the local documentary film market is yet to flourish. Under the theme of multiculturalism, our goal is to enable people to understand the difference of others and embrace diversity", said Koo Kwan-seo, president of EBS, at a press conference held earlier this month.

More than 50 works from some 20 countries, including the Netherlands, Serbia, China and Germany, will be presented under the theme "Colors 360 Degrees", representing multiculturalism.

The EIDF carries two specific sections: the official program and the special events section.

The official program include the opening ceremony Sept. 22, with the film "Encounters at the End of the World" by acclaimed German director Werner Herzog. Herzog presents the breathtaking beauty of Antarctica: the landscape, environment and people living in one of the coldest places in the world.

The Festival Choice is the competition section of EIDF with a prize of $ 25,000. With 12 works competing for the grand prize, acclaimed judges including Academy Award-nominee Christine Choy, directors Antoine Coppola and Ikeya Kaoru and Chung-Ang University professor Lee Choong-jik will determine the best work.

The Focus on Latin American section will allow fans to discover the beauty of Chile, Brazil, Argentina, Columbia and Cuba. Watch contestants compete for the winner of a beauty pageant held in a prison in directors Amanda Micheli and Isabel Vega's "La Corona", or follow a young musician searching for hidden maestros of tango to discover the secrets behind the beautiful dance with Caroline Neal's "Si sos Brujo-A Tango Story".

For future documentary directors, the special events section will be a treat. EIDF has prepared master classes and director classes with acclaimed directors participating in the festival joining the audience and sharing their expertise ― from producing and filming to personal tips and trends.

At Q&A With Director, fans can watch nine works competing in the Festival's Choice and also get personal with the directors after the screenings. The classes and Q&A sessions are free but visitors must reserve online beforehand.

The documentaries will be shown at two venues, the EBS Space and Art House MOMO. EBS will also televise the films every day for eight hours during the festival week. EBS Space is located near exit 3 of Maebong Station on subway line 3 and Art House MOMO is located near exit 3 of Ewha Womans University Station on subway line 2. For more information and reservations of the master and director classes, visit http://www.eidf.org or call (02) 526-2122.

Advertisement

❎ Try Ad-free