SWIFF Opening Ceremony Moderators, Byun Young-joo and Bong Tae-gyu

Director Byun Young-joo and actor Bong Tae-gyu were selected as moderators for the opening ceremony of the 25th Seoul International Women's Film Festival held at Cinematheque KOFA, Korea Film Archive.

The 25th Seoul International Women's Film Festival opens with director Byeon Young-joo, who has been announcing the opening of the Seoul International Women's Film Festival for 12 consecutive years, and actor Bong Tae-gyu, the first male host of the opening ceremony. It is the first time that a male moderator has been selected for the opening ceremony of the Seoul International Women's Film Festival.

Director Byun Young-joo, an executive member of the Seoul International Women's Film Festival, has been on the opening stage for 12 years and has shown extraordinary affection for women's film festivals. He said, “I watched the opening ceremony again this year with the hope that the Seoul International Women’s Film Festival, which endures well, will continue. During the film festival, I hope everyone will hang out together.”

Actor Bong Tae-gyu has received a lot of sympathy and support for his honest portrayal of his role and concerns as a family member, actor and writer, through his recent essay "I Want to Be a Good Adult".

Actor Bong Tae-gyu said, “I have previously imagined what kind of role I could play at the Seoul International Women’s Film Festival. I am full of joy because my vague imagination has become a reality, and I am confident and happy to be in a position with director Byun Young-joo.” Expectations are high for the two people who have been talking about movies and social phenomena together for a long time through the broadcast programs 'Room 1' and 'Between You Hug'.

Singer Lee Sang-eun of 'Damdadi', 'Someday', 'Gongmudohaga', and 'Secret Flower Garden' was confirmed for the opening celebration performance. Singer Lee Sang-eun has been involved in various artistic activities, including steady music activities, publishing, and exhibition activities, since receiving the Grand Prize at the Riverside Song Festival in 1998.

The opening ceremony, which will be held on the 24th, will be held at 17:30 following the purple carpet event at 17:00. Next, Kelly Leichardt's opening film 'Showing Up' will be screened as a Korean premiere.

The 25th Seoul International Women's Film Festival will be held for 7 days from the 24th to the 30th at Megabox Sangam World Cup Stadium and Korean Film Archive Cinematheque KOFA.

Reporter Ha-neul Lee, Ten Asia greenworld@tenasia.co.kr