20th Anniversary of Jecheon Film Festival: A Spectacular Fusion of Music and Film

20th Anniversary of Jecheon Film Festival: A Celebration of Music and Film

Jecheon International Music & Film Festival (JIMFF) marks its 20th anniversary with a remarkable lineup of programs and events.

Jecheon International Music & Film Festival (JIMFF) is gearing up for a momentous celebration that showcases its dedication to the development of film and art over the past two decades. This year’s festival revolves around the theme of “Coming of Age,” symbolizing the cinematic and musical achievements of the past 20 years. The festival’s key highlights were unveiled during the official press conference held on September 6th at Jecheon City’s Cheongpunghoban Hall.

Slogan and Opening Film

The festival’s slogan, “Super Ascendo,” meaning “to surpass” or “to transcend” in Latin, encapsulates the festival’s desire to constantly challenge and grow in the realms of film and music. The opening film, “Ava: The Legend,” directed by James Logan, is a captivating documentary that delicately portrays the struggles of Ava, a contestant in the Eurovision Song Contest, as she strives to break free from the label of a one-hit wonder.

Closing Film and Diverse Screenings

As the festival unfolds, audiences can look forward to the closing film, the animated feature “Minutes of Applause.” It tells the enchanting story of Asaya Kanata, a high school student embarking on a journey to discover new music through encounters with street performers. Alongside the opening and closing films, the festival will showcase a total of 96 music films from 16 countries, providing attendees with a diverse cinematic experience.

Venues

The films will be screened at various locations in Jecheon, including Jecheon Art Center, Jecheon Cultural Center, Creative Cube, and Jecheon Visual Media Center. This diverse array of venues allows audiences to immerse themselves in the cinematic experience in different settings.

Recognizing Musical Excellence

Japanese renowned OST composer Yoshimata Ryo will be honored with the Jecheon Film Music Award for his outstanding contributions to film music. Yoshimata is well-known for composing the music for the film “Between Calmness and Passion” and the drama series “One Billion Stars Falling from the Sky.” His selection as the award recipient emphasizes the festival’s dedication to honoring the excellence of film music.

Ambassador and Community Engagement

This year, the festival chose dedicated Jecheon citizen Kim Ok-mal as its ambassador, deviating from the tradition of selecting a famous actor. Her appointment highlights the festival’s emphasis on community engagement and local contributions to the arts.

Main Event: One Summer Night

The festival’s main event, “One Summer Night,” will be held on September 6th and 7th at the Cheongpungholand Special Stage. The event has generated high anticipation as popular entertainers such as Bibi, Triple S, Han Seung-woo, Kim Hyun-jung, Lim Jin, Hyun Jin-young, and Kim Soo-chul will take the stage. Attendees can expect an unforgettable musical experience as these artists deliver captivating performances.

Special Program: JIMFF Special Choice

In addition to the main events, the festival will present the “JIMFF Special Choice” program at Jecheon Arts Center from September 6th to 8th. This special program features a film concert of the iconic film “Tae Guk Gi: The Brotherhood of War,” a talk concert by Yoshimata Ryo, and a performance by the band “9 and the Numbers.” These events combine the power of film and live music to enrich the festival experience.

New Relaxation Program: Ilmji Musica Paradiso

Aside from film screenings and concerts, the festival introduces a new relaxation program called “Ilmji Musica Paradiso.” Set against the picturesque backdrop of Ilmji Hoban Park, this program offers various activities such as morning yoga and martial arts. The vibrant atmosphere created by live concerts, house music, and techno parties over three days promises a delightful and rejuvenating experience.

A Vision for the Market’s Future

Mayor Kim Chang-kyu expressed confidence that the festival will serve as a turning point in preparing for a new future, stating, “Despite the challenges we faced leading up to the 20th anniversary, this year marks a transition towards a new horizon.” His remarks reflect the festival’s resilience and dedication to evolve alongside the changing times while leaving a lasting cultural legacy.

Festival Dates and Ticket Information

The Jecheon International Music & Film Festival will take place from September 5th to 10th at various locations in Jecheon, encompassing the beautiful Cheongpungho Lake area. Opening and closing ceremony tickets can be purchased for 10,000 KRW, while tickets for the “One Summer Night” event are priced at 50,000 KRW. General screening tickets are available for 7,000 KRW, with discounted prices offered to Jecheon residents. Tickets can be conveniently purchased through the official ticketing platform, Melon Ticket.

Conclusion

Jecheon International Music & Film Festival celebrates its 20th anniversary by promising to deliver inspiring films, mesmerizing music, and unforgettable experiences. With its rich program lineup and exciting events, JIMFF solidifies its position as South Korea’s premier cultural festival, inviting audiences to immerse themselves in the power of film and music.