The 19th Zurich Film Festival (ZFF), scheduled from September 28 to October 8, 2023, will showcase the Republic of Korea as its guest country. This year, the festival’s “New World View” section will feature approximately ten films from South Korea, one of the world’s leading cinema-producing nations.
The “New World View” section of the Zurich Film Festival highlights countries experiencing a cinematic renaissance. The Republic of Korea has been selected for this year’s focus. The section aims to screen ten films by emerging voices in Korean cinema. Christian Jungen, the Artistic Director of the ZFF, explains the rationale behind this choice, stating, “The new Korean wave has significantly impacted the West in recent years, captivating young audiences who eagerly consume films, series like SQUID GAME, and K-Pop from the so-called tiger state. With Korea now ranking as the fifth largest cinema market globally, we aim to celebrate its innovative output by primarily showcasing the works of its younger generation of filmmakers.”
The creative achievements of Korean cinema have also garnered attention from Aurel Graf, Head of Film Coordination & Programmer at ZFF. Graf remarks, “The Korean film industry was traditionally male-dominated. However, recent years have witnessed a substantial shift towards promoting female filmmakers.” He further emphasizes the diversity of Korean films, ranging from tranquil social dramas to imaginative coming-of-age stories and original horror movies. Films from renowned filmmakers like PARASITE, BURNING and DECISION TO LEAVE have already gained recognition in Switzerland. Graf’s intention is to highlight the works of young, upcoming filmmakers in the “New World View“ section. He also expresses his firm belief that the emerging talents in the Korean film scene will build upon successes like the Oscar-winning PARASITE. Consequently, the ZFF is excited to celebrate Korean cinema, its culture, and its filmmakers.
To ensure a suitable platform for the Korean cinemas, the ZFF will collaborate with the Korean Embassy in Bern. Notably, this year marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Switzerland. His Excellency Mr. Keum Chang-rok, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Switzerland, shares his delight for this opportunity to showcase the best of the Korean cinema and hopes for increased interest in Korean cinema and culture, stating, “I am deeply honored by the opportunity to showcase Korean films to the esteemed audience of ZFF, one of the most renowned film festival in Europe. It is my sincere hope that this occasion will spark a heightened interest among Swiss movie enthusiasts in Korean cinema and culture.”