Festival Overview
The 7th International Ocean Film Festival will take place from July 19 to 21 at the PIAC cultural complex in Yeongdo, Busan. Hosted by the Busan Metropolitan City and organized by the International Ocean Film Festival Organizing Committee, with support from Yeongdo District, this year’s theme is “Crossing Boundaries: Boundless Ocean.” The festival will showcase 27 feature and short films from 11 countries.
Opening Films
The festival will kick off with two notable opening films:
- “Disappearing Jewels” by Korean-American animator Wol Kim. This watercolor animated film combines scientific data on global warming with a heartfelt portrayal of marine life.
- “Alien Contact” by marine biologist Rick Rosenthal. This documentary offers a glimpse into the life of the manta ray, a species known for its advanced cognitive abilities and wingspan reaching almost 8 meters.
Featured Films
Other must-see films include:
- “Boksoon’s One-Day Class”: This film follows Boksoon, a woman from Jeju, as she heals through yoga.
- “Orca – Black and White Gold”: A gripping exposé that captures the overfishing of orcas for profit and the subsequent release campaign led by a dedicated reporter.
Closing Film
The festival will conclude with “Drifter” by director Ma Xue, set in the surfer’s paradise of Wanan, China. This film explores the complex emotions between love and friendship. Lead actor and co-writer Xu Weihe will make a stage appearance at the closing ceremony.
Special Events
The festival will feature a variety of special events, including:
- Guest Visits (GV): Interactive sessions with filmmakers, critics, and marine experts.
- Interactive Booths: Activities such as a sun catcher workshop with artist An Hee-jung, water gun and fishing games to raise awareness about marine litter, and plastic recycling experiences.
Opening Ceremony
The opening ceremony will be held at 6:30 PM on July 19 at the outdoor stage on the 6th floor of PIAC. It will be hosted by actress and festival ambassador Choi Song-hyun, a scuba diving instructor and marine conservation advocate. The event will feature a performance by the acapella group OVC.
Ticket Information
Tickets for the International Ocean Film Festival can be reserved through the official website or purchased on-site during the festival. Ticket prices are 10,000 KRW for special programs and 5,000 KRW for general screenings. Reserved tickets can be exchanged for physical tickets at the venue and include a coupon for a canned coffee or financier from the PIAC café. For more details, visit the festival’s official website.