FRIENDSHIP IN EVERY RELATIONSHIP. The 2024 Korean Film Festival presents, “Chingu Kita”!
In honor of the 75th Anniversary of Friendship between Korea and the Philippines, the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines proudly presents the 2024 Korean Film Festival, titled “Chingu Kita,” which translates to “You are my friend.” This milestone event focuses on the universal theme of friendship, reflecting the longstanding ties between the two nations through the medium of cinema. The festival aims to highlight the many forms of friendship found in different relationships—whether between childhood friends, family members, or even unlikely companions.
Running from September 27 to 29, 2024, the festival will be held across four major venues in the Philippines—SM Mall of Asia, SM City Baguio, SM Seaside City Cebu, and SM City Davao—offering free screenings of five specially selected films. Each film explores friendship from a unique perspective, shedding light on the deep emotional connections that shape human lives.
The festival lineup includes Smugglers (2023), winner of Best Film at the 44th Blue Dragon Film Awards, which is an action-packed story of trust and survival; Love Reset (2023), a heartwarming romantic comedy that redefines love and companionship; Picnic (2024), a short film celebrating childhood adventure and friendship; Our Season (2023), a moving story that delves into the bonds between friends and family; and Inseparable Bros (2019), a touching portrayal of the unbreakable bond between two brothers. Through these diverse films, “Chingu Kita” brings a variety of emotions to the screen, reminding viewers of the importance of friendship in every aspect of life.
In addition to the screenings, the festival will feature a special event called “Meet the Chingus!” where attendees can interact with two prominent figures from the Korean film industry. Ms. Lee Yun Kyung, the Director of the Contents Research Bureau at the Korea Culture & Tourism Institute, and Mr. Son Seung-Hyun, CEO of West World, a visual effects company known for its work on high-profile projects such as Queen of Tears (2024) and Extraordinary Attorney Woo (2022), will offer insights into their careers and the Korean film landscape. This pocket event will provide aspiring filmmakers and film enthusiasts with a rare opportunity to gain valuable knowledge from industry experts.
The 2024 Korean Film Festival is made possible through the collaborative efforts of several organizations, including the Korean Film Council, the Film Development Council of the Philippines, the Korea Culture and Tourism Institute, SM Cinema, and the University of the Philippines Film Institute.
This year’s festival is not just a celebration of films but a tribute to the enduring friendship between Korea and the Philippines. By showcasing the theme of friendship through these cinematic works, the festival highlights how strong, meaningful relationships transcend boundaries and cultures. Join us in celebrating this remarkable bond and enjoy a weekend of inspiring films at “Chingu Kita,” where the spirit of friendship comes to life on screen.
*Press Release
