Crossing the Boundaries of the Sea… 2024 International Ocean Film Festival Kicks Off

The 7th International Ocean Film Festival will be held at P.ARK a cultural complex in Yeongdo Busan from July 19 (Friday) to July 21 (Sunday). Hosted by Busan Metropolitan City (Mayor Park Hyung-Jun) and organized by the International Ocean Film Festival Organizing Committee (Chairperson Jo Hana) with support from Yeongdo District (District Chief Kim Gi-Jae) the festival will showcase 27 feature and short films from 11 countries under the theme Boundless Ocean.

The festival will open with:

Disappearing Jewels by Korean-American animator Will Kim a watercolor illustrated animation that addresses issues caused by global warming and showcases marine life.
Manta Rays: Encounter with Alien Life by Emmy Award-winning marine biologist and director Rick Rosenthal a documentary that explores the life of manta rays which have wingspans up to 8 meters and highly developed cognitive abilities among fish.
The closing film will be The Wanderer directed by Ma Seol a film that captures the delicate emotions between love and friendship set in Wanan China a utopia for surfing enthusiasts. Actor Xu Weihao who starred in and co-wrote the film will attend the closing ceremony and greet the audience.

Screenings will take place over three days in two theaters on the 6th floor and the basement level of P.ARK starting with the opening film.

Several films reflect the similarities between Yeongdo in Busan and Jeju Island. For instance Boksoons One Day Class showcases Boksoons healing journey through yoga in Jeju and a special program will feature a joint yoga session with the wellness brand Cocoa Island before the screening.

Other notable screenings include:

Daughter of the Sea by Patagonia featuring stories about haenyeo (female divers) designated as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. A special session titled Haenyeo_The World Underwater will follow with a guest visit from director Lee Kang-Bin of Until They Are Happy and haenyeo Kim Ok-Ja and Lee Soon-Deok.
I Cross the Sea with You by director No Jae-Yoon featuring indie group Annyeongbadas journey across America. The screening will be followed by a music talk with bassist Woo Myung-Je cinematographer Kwon Jae-Hyun and music columnist Kim Tae-Hoon providing a unique experience of film music and travel stories accompanied by beer.
Additionally Sarah Noranbergs investigative documentary Orca - Black and White Gold will be screened highlighting the overfishing of orcas by a Russian company. The director will discuss current marine conservation issues with Jo Yak-Gol head of the marine environmental group Hot Pink Dolphins.

SBS Specials documentary The Whale and Me will also be screened followed by a discussion on the planets crisis revealed through the life and death of whales.

The festival will also feature eight short and special section films selected from the domestic production support competition including:

Soombi Sound
Boksoons One Day Class
Mijo
How to Swim with Dolphins
Until They Are Happy
Fish Bread in Water
Mackerel Sea and Sunhee
Why Do People Go to the Sea?
Moreover a special section co-organized with marine-related organizations and companies like MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) and Deokhwa Myungran will facilitate discussions with marine experts on current oceanic issues.

The festival has collaborated with local artists every year to present various artworks. This year artist Ahn Hee-Jung known for her work as a childrens book illustrator and cultural planner in Busan will showcase art and experience programs through the Busan Cultural Foundations Artist Dispatch Support Project.

Jo Hana the organizing committee chairperson stated Based on this years theme Boundless Ocean we strived to include everything about the sea from marine environment and culture to humanities literature and music. We look forward to your interest in the seventh edition of the festival.

Tickets for the 2024 International Ocean Film Festival can be reserved via the booking link on the festival website with on-site ticketing available during the festival. Screening fees are 10000 KRW for special programs and 5000 KRW for regular screenings. Reserved tickets can be exchanged for physical tickets at the venue and come with vouchers for canned coffee or financiers from the P.ARK cafe.

For more information on the 2024 International Ocean Film Festival visit the festival website www.kioff.kr or Instagram @kioff.official.

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