Show Me Shorts Film Festival features Korean Focus

This year’s Show Me Shorts Film Festival, Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading international short film festival, will have a Korean Focus resulting from a partnership between the organisers and the Embassy of the Republic of Korea.

The festival will feature seven short films that explore the lives of South Koreans and what is important to them. Their history, fears and dreams. Myths and legends. The ties that bind them, and what threats might break their families apart. With comedy, animation and drama aplenty, the collection demonstrates the breadth of filmmaking talent in South Korea’s creative sector, showcasing a wide range of styles and stories.

Show Me Shorts with the support of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea is running two special premiere screenings in Auckland (10 October) and Wellington (17 October). These include live music, canapes and glass of wine before screening; will be introduced by the Festival director and one of the visiting Korean filmmakers; and will be followed by a Q&A.
Tickets can be purchased via the website www.showmeshorts.co.nz/programme/korean-focus

The Korean Ambassador to New Zealand HE Mr Seung-bae Yeo said, “2018 has seen the most vibrant level of exchange in the film sector between Korea and New Zealand. After New Zealand films were invited to the 35th Busan International Short Film Festival earlier this April, it is now Korea’s turn to share highlights of our short films to our Kiwi friends. I am also delighted that in addition to the Show Me Shorts Festival, we will have a number of feature films during the Korean Film Festival with public screenings in Auckland and Hamilton, which will also be held in during October 2018.”

This April Show Me Shorts Festival Director Gina Dellabarca attended the 35th Busan International Short Film Festival (BISFF) in South Korea presenting a selection of seventeen New Zealand short films. At the festival opened with Tama Tu by Taika Waititi and the impressive performance of Nga Hau E Wha, all the New Zealand short films were well received. Dellabarca believes that the New Zealand audiences will be excited by the Korean films in the Show me Shorts Festival.

Michael Stephens, Chair of the Korean Cinerama Trust, said: “The Embassy of the Republic of Korea has a history of supporting cooperation between the New Zealand and Korean film and entertainment sectors and we deeply appreciate this additional support for the Show Me Shorts Korean Focus screenings to showcase the best of Korean Short Films to New Zealand audiences.”

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