Korean Queer Films Take the Spotlight at Jeonju International Film Festival

“No Heaven, But Love” (Courtesy of Jeonju IFF)

The Jeonju International Film Festival, which opened on April 27, has drawn attention for its selection of queer films in the Korean competition section. Out of 111 Korean films submitted, 11 were nominated, including eight feature films, two documentaries, and one experimental documentary. This year's lineup emphasizes the work of first-time directors and highlights the festival's role as a gateway for emerging talent.

One standout film is "No Heaven, But Love" by director Jay Han, which centers around a lesbian romance between high school student Joo-young (Park Soo-yeon) and Ye-ji (Lee Yoo-mi), who attends a reform school at a youth detention center. Set in 1999, the film portrays the violent and rough atmosphere of the school during a time when corporal punishment was legal and senior students' harassment of junior students was accepted under the guise of tradition. Despite the challenging subject matter, Han views the film's fundamental genre as romance and emphasizes the importance of accepting love without prejudice or societal norms. 

▲ “Heavy Snow” (Courtesy of Jeonju IFF)
Director Yoon Soo-ik's "Heavy Snow," shot in 2019, follows high school students Soo-an (Han Hae-in) and Seol (Han So-hee) as they grapple with whether to pursue filmmaking or acting. The film explores their deepening relationship as Seol shares her innermost thoughts with Soo-an. Actor Han Hae-in describes their romance as a form of idolization and a reminder of the challenges Seol has faced in her own career.

Overall, the Jeonju International Film Festival's inclusion of queer films reflects a growing trend in Korean cinema and highlights the diversity of stories being told in the industry.

Sayart.net 

BlueYIM, yimyoungseo1010@naver.com