Korea's largest alternative movie festival has begun in the city of Jeonju. Indie and art house films will be showcased along with various other events.
Lee Min-sun went to the opening ceremony and files this report.
Movie lovers from all around the world have gathered in the southern city of Jeonju for the 20th Jeonju International Film Festival.
It started a 10-day run on Thursday as famous actors and actresses like Cha In-pyo and Lee Hye-ri walked down the red carpet.
The opening film was "Piranhas," by Italian director Claudio Giovannesi."
"Piranhas" looks at the dark side of growing up through the story of teenage boys working with drug dealers as a way of gaining influence and who eventually take over the business of the adults.
Based on a novel, the film captures wildness of these teens in a classical visual style.
"It’s a story about teenagers that lost their innocence. … I hope you can find something that could happen in every part of the world. When the institution are far, when the school is far, when the fathers are absent."
Under the slogan "Cinema, Liberated and Expressed," the festival organizers hope to support artistic expression free from external influences.
The films will be screened at five different theaters in Jeonju.
There are a total of 262 films from 52 different countries.
And on May 8th, there will be an awards ceremony,... recognizing films in five areas of competition, including international, Korean and documentary.
A new generation of filmmakers will have a chance to meet the experts and take part in in-depth education programs.
Audiences can also take classes to get a closer look at the films and get a better understanding of directors and their ways of thinking.
"So here at the festival, you can do more than see the world's best new films. There are events for the audience to participate in, like performances, cosplay and for the grand finale, a huge party.
Lee Min-sun, Arirang News, Jeonju."