A Showcase of 147 Documentaries from 54 Countries Emphasizes Memory, Unity, and Digital Innovation

DMZ DOCS

In a celebration of its 15th anniversary, the DMZ International Documentary Film Festival (DMZ Docs) is set to captivate audiences with a rejuvenated lineup featuring 147 documentaries hailing from 54 countries. Running from September 14th to 21st across various multiplexes in and around Goyang, Gyeonggi, this year’s festival brings forth a refreshed array of program sessions, marking a departure from its previous format.

Under the guidance of festival director Jang Hae-rang and programming head Jang Byung-won, the DMZ Docs has undergone a transformation, transitioning from its former Global Vision and DMZ Open Cinema sections to the International Competition, Frontier Competition, and Korean Competition categories. Additionally, the non-competition segment boasts new offerings including Verite, Docufiction, Essay, Expanded, and Special Exhibition sections, aimed at embracing the diverse facets of documentary filmmaking.

At a press conference held at the CGV Myeongdong Cine Library in central Seoul, Jang Byung-won emphasized the festival's commitment to its documentary roots, stating, “While revamping DMZ Docs, which has been around for 15 years, we focused on the festival staying true to its nature of being a festival dedicated to documentaries." Each session has been meticulously curated to underscore the distinct attributes of the documentaries presented.

DMZ Docs emerged in 2009 as a collaborative endeavor involving Gyeonggi, Paju City, and the DMZ Docs festival council, subsequently joined by Goyang City in 2013. Recognized as one of South Korea's premier documentary film festivals, alongside the EBS International Documentary Festival, the DMZ Docs has consistently championed themes of peace, communication, and life, aspiring to claim the mantle of Asia’s preeminent documentary showcase.

This year’s edition of DMZ Docs is framed by nine thematic keywords elucidated by festival director Jang Hae-rang. Themes such as memory, "beyond the line," and the digital platform zone underscore the overarching narratives woven throughout the showcased documentaries. Memory, being the core function of documentaries, takes center stage, while the "beyond the line" concept seeks to bridge divides and foster discourse across ideological, geographical, and social barriers. The digital platform zone reflects the evolving landscape of documentary creation in the age of new media.

The opening spotlight of the festival falls on the Chilean documentary "The Eternal Memory." Chronicling the journey of a journalist who chronicled Chile's democracy movement while battling Alzheimer's disease, the film earned the Grand Prize at this year's Sundance Film Festival and has garnered praise from both critics and viewers. The narrative seamlessly intertwines the life of its protagonist, Augusto Gongora, with Chilean history, exploring themes of history, memory, and democracy.

As part of the festivities, Paulina Urrutia, wife of the late journalist Augusto Gongora, will be gracing the 15th DMZ Docs. She will be present at the opening ceremony, guest visits, and stage greetings throughout the festival, offering audiences a personal insight into the documentary's genesis.

Among the highlights of the festival are three special exhibitions: The Ukrainian Theme Exhibition, Lee Kang-hyun Exhibition, and Newstapa Archiving Exhibition. The Ukrainian Theme Exhibition, aptly titled "Unable to Settle or Leave: The Urgency of the War That Consistently Arrives," amplifies the voices of documentarists capturing the Ukrainian War from diverse vantage points. The Lee Kang-hyun Exhibition pays tribute to the legacy of the late director Lee, presenting his films alongside messages from collaborators spanning various fields. The final special exhibition delves into the history of the media outlet Newstapa, offering a retrospective on Korean journalism.

Jang Hae-rang encapsulated the spirit of the festival by asserting, “Documentaries not only deliver facts, but there's a heart behind those who made them. We hope that the 15th DMZ Docs will be a catalyst for viewers to reflect on our society through documentaries.” With its innovative programming, thematic depth, and global diversity, the DMZ International Documentary Film Festival is poised to captivate and inspire audiences on an international scale.

Sayart.net 

Blue YIM, yimyoungseo1010@naver.com