A unique exhibition featuring seven carefully restored Korean films from the 1950s will be presented at Cinemateca Capitólio from August 1 through August 10. The exhibition, titled '50/50: Restored Korean Classics,' offers audiences a rare opportunity to experience significant works from South Korean cinema's formative period.

The program serves a dual purpose: celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Korean Film Archive (KOFA), recognized as one of Asia's most important film preservation institutions, while highlighting cinematic works created during one of Korea's most challenging historical periods. The selected films were produced in the shadow of the Korean War, which lasted from 1950 to 1953 and fundamentally altered the Korean Peninsula's political and social landscape.

The seven films featured in the exhibition provide viewers with diverse perspectives on the harsh realities faced by South Korea in the immediate aftermath of the armed conflict. This devastating war divided the Korean Peninsula into two separate nations—North Korea and South Korea—and marked the beginning of what many historians consider a traumatic chapter in Korean history. The films serve as both artistic achievements and historical documents, capturing the social, emotional, and cultural atmosphere of a nation rebuilding itself after widespread destruction.

The exhibition represents a collaborative effort between multiple cultural institutions. Cinemateca Capitólio has organized the event in partnership with the Korean Film Archive, with additional support provided by Cinemateca Brasileira. This international cooperation demonstrates the growing recognition of Korean cinema's historical significance and the importance of preserving and sharing these cultural treasures with global audiences.

One of the most appealing aspects of this exhibition is its accessibility—admission is completely free, making these rare film screenings available to all members of the community regardless of economic circumstances. This approach aligns with the broader mission of cultural institutions to democratize access to art and historical content.

The Korean Film Archive, established decades ago, has played a crucial role in preserving Korea's cinematic heritage. As one of Asia's leading film preservation organizations, KOFA has dedicated significant resources to restoring and maintaining films from Korea's early cinema period. The current exhibition showcases the results of these meticulous restoration efforts, allowing contemporary audiences to experience these films with improved visual and audio quality.

The timing of this exhibition is particularly significant, as it coincides with growing international interest in Korean culture and cinema. While contemporary Korean films have gained worldwide recognition, this exhibition provides an opportunity to explore the historical roots of Korean filmmaking and understand the cultural foundations that have contributed to the country's current cinematic success.

For those interested in attending, the exhibition will take place at Cinemateca Capitólio, located at Rua Demétrio Ribeiro, 1085, in the Centro Histórico district of Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul. The venue provides an appropriate setting for this type of cultural programming, offering audiences a dedicated space to engage with these historically significant films.

The exhibition runs for ten consecutive days, providing multiple opportunities for film enthusiasts, students, and general audiences to participate. This extended timeframe ensures that the maximum number of people can benefit from this rare cultural offering, whether they are specifically interested in Korean cinema, film history, or broader cultural studies.

This exhibition represents more than just a film screening series—it serves as a bridge between cultures and time periods, connecting contemporary Brazilian audiences with Korean experiences from the 1950s. Through these restored films, viewers can gain insights into the resilience, creativity, and artistic expression that emerged from one of Korea's most difficult historical periods.