2010 KOFFIA KOREAN FILM FESTIVAL IN AUSTRALIA (1 October

The 1st KOFFIA Korean Film Festival In Australia is just around the corner. The inaugural KOFFIA presents 8 dynamic and diverse contemporary Korean films alongside free cultural events and guest speaker programs. From 1 - 5 October, Australians will get a taste of cinematic talent from Korea. The best of Korean drama, action, comedy, pop and documentary films will be on show over the long weekend.

The festival will open with Bong Joon-ho’s "Mother - 2009", a whodunit crime thriller about a mother’s love for her dimwitted son. The film was invited to the Cannes International Film Festival 2009, and was Korea’s official submission for Best Foreign Language Film at the 2010 Academy Awards. The film will be introduced by a festive Opening Ceremony with drinks and an engaging industry forum.

Palme d'Or nominees "Secret Sunshine" and "The Housemaid - 2010", directed by Lee Chang-dong and Lim Sang-soo respectively, prove the festival only shows Korea's finest. Both films star the beautiful and undoubtedly talented Jeon Do-yeon, and highlight Korea's love and respect for drama. Other festival highlights include "Old Partner", a heart-warming documentary about a lifelong friendship between an old farmer and his cow; "Rough Cut", an unusual take on Korea’s popular gangster genre; and "200 Pounds Beauty", a light hearted musical look into the K-Pop industry.

"Like A Virgin", a coming of age story about a boy who joins a traditional Korean wrestling team to achieve his dream of becoming a woman, will feature a Q&A with co-director Lee Hae-joon. Closing Night will feature Lee Hae-joon’s "Castaway on the Moon", a movie capturing a man’s struggle to survive on a deserted island as he resorts to growing black bean noodles from scratch. The festival will conclude with a Q&A with the director and producer, and black bean noodles for everyone in the audience!

Throughout the festival don’t miss the free cultural and education events taking place. From Taekwondo (Korean martial art) and Samulnori (Korean folk music) to traditional Korean Dance displays and Pop Singers including former Neighbours star Hany Lee! Education and industry forums will entertain the most hungry for drama, with the likes of the esteemed Professor Hong Joon Kim, to Dr Brian Yecies, Dr Roald Maliangkay and Dr Jane Park, KOFFIA will be a festival for everyone!

Be sure to take part in the inaugural 2010 Korean Film Festival in Australia to educate and indulge in Korea’s strong cinematic culture.

Please visit http://www.koffia.com.au for more details on the films, screenings, and events. KOFFIA is organised by the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea.

For more information contact:

Kieran Tully, Marketing Director,
kieran.tully@koffia.com.au, 02 9210 0222