Korean Film Festival in Australia 2019

Australia's annual showcase of Korean cinema celebrates its huge tenth year.
Sarah Ward
Published on August 22, 2019

Overview

2019 is nowhere near over, but it has already been a standout year for South Korean cinema. Not only is Bong Joon-ho's Parasite one of the best films of the year — and one of the most talked about — but it earned the Asian nation its first Palme d'Or from the Cannes Film Festival. No wonder director Bong was greeted by a crowd at the airport when he arrived back from the south of France after the glitzy event.

Parasite is also one of the movies on this year's Korean Film Festival in Australia lineup; however the smash hit isn't the only great flick on offer between Thursday, August 22 and Saturday, August 31. If you're keen to dive deep into the exciting and eclectic films produced by the country — which celebrates 100 years in the movie business this year — then you're in the right spot.

Screening at Dendy Opera Quays, this year's KOFFIA features everything from blockbusters to indies, dramas to comedies, and not only brand new movies, but recent favourites you might've missed elsewhere. Step into the action-infused political thrills of Take Point, about a plot to abduct North Korea's supreme leader; catch cop flick The Gangster, the Cop, the Devil before it's remade in the US; head back in time with period zombie effort Rampart; and enjoy Hong Sang-soo's latest melancholic drama, Hotel by the River. Or, you can laugh at body-swap comedy The Dude in Me, revel in Korean War tap-dance musical Swing Kids, giggle at the undead with The Odd Family: Zombie on Sale and see the lighter side of law and order with Extreme Job.

While you're feasting your eyes on all of the above, you'll also help commemorate KOFFIA's huge 10th year.

In Sydney only, the festival will also add a few days at the end for something both timely and special. One Bong Joon-ho movie isn't enough, so KOFFIA is screening a retrospective of his films from Sunday, September 1 to Tuesday, September 3.

Information

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