Kim Moo Ryung (Producer)

Bright stars usually tend to catch the eye, and this one is no exception. Producer Kim Moo Ryung’s film production company is called Banjak Banjak Film Productions – ‘banjak’ translates as ‘twinkle’ and her filmography does indeed glitter. Most recently, her company produced Castaway on the Moon (2009) and Like a Virgin (2006) and prior to that, she produced Memories of Murder (2003), Road Movie (2002) and Indian Summer (2001). Kim Moo Ryung is definitely one of the most daring and creative producers in Korea

KOFFIA is bringing some of Kim’s sparkle to Sydney this October, with the screening of Castaway on the Moon and Like a Virgin, both nominated for Planning Awards at the Daejong film awards in 2009 and 2007 respectively, are part of the film line-up. Not only is KOFFIA bringing you these two gems of movies, but Kim herself with director, Lee Hey Jun will also be joining KOFFIA in Sydney as guest and will be making an appearance on the Monday and Tuesday of the festival, so catch some of the sparkle for yourself.

Lee Hey Jun (Director)

Another of KOFFIA’s special guests is writer and director Lee Hey Jun. The director and screenplay writer of two films on the KOFFIA program, Castaway on the Moon (2009) and Like a Virgin (2006), Lee was also writer for several other Korean films, such as Antarctic Journal (2005), Arahan (2004) and Au Revoir, UFO (2003). Lee caught the eye of the Korean movie world by sweeping up the newcomer director award at the 5th Korean Film Awards in 2006 with his debut feature Like a Virgin. Of course, Lee’s films went on to win more awards – with the two KOFFIA showings tallying a proud 5 awards in total between them.

Lee’s films seem to be slightly off-beat, quirky comedies, but they are no small issues. Meet Lee for yourselves right here in Sydney this October. The director will be with us at KOFFIA on the Monday and Tuesday of the festival.

Dr. Roald Maliangkay (School of Culture, History & Language, Australian National University)

Dr. Roald Maliangkay researched on the preservation of folksongs in South Korea in his PhD. Since then he broadened his research by including popular culture. He is very active in Korean Studies in Australia. His interests are South Korea’s cultural industries, cultural policy and popular culture. Dr. Roald Maliangkay, (with Dr. Brain Yecies) will present Mother and also discuss about contemporary Korean cinema.

Prof. Hong-Joon Kim (Department of Film, Korean National University of Arts)

Prof. Hong-Joon Kim is known for the diverse roles he has played in Korean film industry. He is not only an award-winning scriptwriter and director, but also a writer, teacher and festival program director. Currently he teaches at Korean National University of Arts, and chairs the Nominations Council of the Asia Pacific Screen Awards 2010.

Dr. Brian Yecies (Media and Cultural Studies, University of Wollongong)

Dr. Brian Yecies is active in Korean Studies. In particular, he has researched on cultural policy in colonial Korea and the digital wave in Korea’s cultural industries. Dr. Brian Yecies (with Dr. Roald Maliangkay) will present Mother and also discuss about contemporary Korean cinema.

Dr. Jane Park (Gender and Cultural Studies, University of Sydney)

Dr. Jane Park’s research focuses on representations of race and ethnicity. In particular, she has researched on representation of Asian people in film and popular media. Dr. Jane Park will provide an engaging discussion on the representation of Korean womanhood through two very distinctive Korean films, Secret Sunshine and 200 Pounds Beauty.

Yang Il Kim (Department of Film, Korean National University of Arts)

Prof. Yang Il Kim has edited many award winning Korean films. He is currently teaching at Korean National University of Arts. Prof. Yang Il Kim will reside as a jury for the YKFA award.