On 21 November, the Korean Cultural Centre in Egypt inaugurated the ninth edition of its Korean Movie Nights 2024 with the screening of Concrete Utopia, featuring a special appearance by the film’s acclaimed director, Um Tae-hwa.
The opening ceremony, which was held in City Centre Almaza in Cairo, also welcomed notable directors such as Jung July (Next Sohee), Yu Jason (Sleep), and Kim Seong-sik (Dr. Cheon And The Lost Talisman).
Among the attendees were also Oh Sung-ho, director of the Korean Cultural Centre in Cairo, and Ally Sunhee Han, a renowned program consultant and workshop leader.
Following the screening, Um Tae-hwa engaged in an interactive discussion with the audience. Reflecting on the experience, he expressed his excitement about showcasing his film in Egypt, calling it a "surreal moment."
Um revealed that Concrete Utopia is inspired by the popular Korean webtoon ‘Sweet Isolation’ and explores the intricacies of Korean society through the lens of a residential complex.
He shared his creative decision to set the story during winter, creating an atmosphere where stepping outside could be fatal due to the extreme cold. This adds tension to the narrative, as outsiders desperately try to enter the building for shelter.
The film, however, posed significant production challenges. While the story is set in frigid conditions, filming occurred during Korea's sweltering summer months. Actors donned heavy winter clothing and endured intense heat to portray the chilling environment authentically.
The visible breath vapors, a hallmark of cold weather, were meticulously created through advanced visual effects, requiring extensive efforts from the VFX team.
Um emphasized that the film does not clearly distinguish between good and evil among its characters. Instead, he hopes audiences empathize with each character's struggles and decisions, allowing for diverse interpretations of the story's themes.
While the film does not deliver a singular moral lesson, it encourages viewers to ponder the actions and dilemmas faced by the characters.
“After watching the film, I want audiences to leave with just one question in mind, what would you do if you were in the characters’ shoes? Um said.
Um Tae-hwa, who majored in design, has built a reputation for his visually captivating works. He began his career in 2004 as part of the directing team for Park Chan-wook’s Sympathy for Lady Vengeance.
His debut feature, Ingtooni, came in 2013, and his first commercial success, Vanishing Time (2016), earned him the Best New Director Award at the Grand Bell Awards.
His latest feature, Concrete Utopia (2023), has gained international acclaim and was selected as South Korea’s entry for the International Feature Film category at the 96th Academy Awards.
The Korean Cultural Centre's Movie Nights, running from 21 to 24 November, promises a rich lineup of films blending drama, comedy, and suspense to provide an immersive cultural experience.
Titles include Concrete Utopia, Single in Seoul, Next Sohee, The Girl on a Bulldozer, Sleep, My Little Puppy, and Dr. Cheon and The Lost Talisman.
Concrete Utopia, the opening film, stars Lee Byung-hun, Park Seo-joon, and Park Bo-young.
It tells the gripping story of a residential building left standing after a devastating earthquake in South Korea.
As survivors flock to the structure, tensions rise among its inhabitants. Conflicts erupt between those seeking to protect the building's limited resources and those advocating for compassion in the face of dire circumstances.
The Korean Movie Nights offer an opportunity for audiences to connect with South Korea's culture and cinematic artistry, making the event a cornerstone of cross-cultural appreciation in Egypt.
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