First of all, we would like to thank everyone who participated in the 25th Korea Queer Film Festival. It is thanks to everyone who submitted entries for this year's film festival, the directors, the actors, the staff, and audience members, that the horizon of queer films can continue to expand.
Hence, we are announcing the KQFF Choice Selections for this year with great gratitude in our hearts and best wishes for everyone going forward. The KQFF Choice Award is given to what we define as the “Queer films of the year,” selected by the KQFF Executive Committee, and the Honorary Mention from the Executive Committee is given to what we define as “Queer films to keep an eye on,” also selected by the Executive Committee.
This year, two films, <Family in Search of a Nest> by director Lee se-rib and <SONDESH> by director Humaira Hannan Snigdha, were selected for the KQFF Choice Award. And <One Short Day> by director HeeKyung LEE was selected for the Honorary Mention from the Executive Committee. Congratulations to all winners!
Waiting for the day we can meet again, the KQFF Executive Committee will happily prepare for next year. Thank you.
1. KQFF Choice
1) Family in Search of a Nest (Director: LEE Se-rib)
Affection can take on different shapes. And there are moments when affection reveals itself, whether it be sharp or dull on the surface. Family in Search of a Nest captures those brilliant moments. Although the feelings that Geon and Ji-Cheol have for each other might be conflicted, the film tries to let their complicated feelings exist without haphazardly resolving their conflict. Perhaps it is when these two different feelings meet that love takes shape. Through the attempt to stay together, as shown in the film, we witness a colorful shape of affection.
2) SONDESH (Director: Humaira Hannan Snigdha)
SONDESH starts with three plates of food and a gaze between two people, looking intently at Farhana sitting awkwardly at the corner of the table. Farhana’s presence can only be felt from outside the screen, owing perhaps to his position of having to hide his feelings. But soon, the camera slowly turns its gaze to follow Farhana’s hands and eyes. We come across a moment where Farhana’s love blossoms when we follow his unique gaze. SONDESH reminds us of KQFF’s mission of discovering the power of gaze that returns the othered queer lives to their rightful selves by revealing the characters’ specific desires through their lenses. We wish that the spacetime SONDESH projects on the silver screen for Farhana will be shared with many more audiences.
2. Honorary Mention from the Executive Committee
- One Short Day (Director: HeeKyung LEE)
One Short Day, a strangely joyful and energetic film, asks the true meaning of a plaza. The camera stoically captures SQCF’s journey facing the city’s denial of Seoul Plaza usage and the systemic injustices. Individuals on the screen might feel indignation but never powerless, and never lose their kindness in the worsening situation. One Short Day proudly proclaims to the systemic hatred that denies our existence: there is no need for permission in queer pride and there is plaza everywhere when queer individuals gather. This message also empowers the 25th Korea Queer Film Festival which was barred from screening at its original theater due to hate groups.
[Donate to the Korea Queer Film Festival]
- How to Donate: www.sqcf.org/donate
- For International Donations: https://www.paypal.me/sqcforg
First of all, we would like to thank everyone who participated in the 25th Korea Queer Film Festival. It is thanks to everyone who submitted entries for this year's film festival, the directors, the actors, the staff, and audience members, that the horizon of queer films can continue to expand.
Hence, we are announcing the KQFF Choice Selections for this year with great gratitude in our hearts and best wishes for everyone going forward. The KQFF Choice Award is given to what we define as the “Queer films of the year,” selected by the KQFF Executive Committee, and the Honorary Mention from the Executive Committee is given to what we define as “Queer films to keep an eye on,” also selected by the Executive Committee.
This year, two films, <Family in Search of a Nest> by director Lee se-rib and <SONDESH> by director Humaira Hannan Snigdha, were selected for the KQFF Choice Award. And <One Short Day> by director HeeKyung LEE was selected for the Honorary Mention from the Executive Committee. Congratulations to all winners!
Waiting for the day we can meet again, the KQFF Executive Committee will happily prepare for next year. Thank you.
1. KQFF Choice
1) Family in Search of a Nest (Director: LEE Se-rib)
Affection can take on different shapes. And there are moments when affection reveals itself, whether it be sharp or dull on the surface. Family in Search of a Nest captures those brilliant moments. Although the feelings that Geon and Ji-Cheol have for each other might be conflicted, the film tries to let their complicated feelings exist without haphazardly resolving their conflict. Perhaps it is when these two different feelings meet that love takes shape. Through the attempt to stay together, as shown in the film, we witness a colorful shape of affection.
2) SONDESH (Director: Humaira Hannan Snigdha)
SONDESH starts with three plates of food and a gaze between two people, looking intently at Farhana sitting awkwardly at the corner of the table. Farhana’s presence can only be felt from outside the screen, owing perhaps to his position of having to hide his feelings. But soon, the camera slowly turns its gaze to follow Farhana’s hands and eyes. We come across a moment where Farhana’s love blossoms when we follow his unique gaze. SONDESH reminds us of KQFF’s mission of discovering the power of gaze that returns the othered queer lives to their rightful selves by revealing the characters’ specific desires through their lenses. We wish that the spacetime SONDESH projects on the silver screen for Farhana will be shared with many more audiences.
2. Honorary Mention from the Executive Committee
- One Short Day (Director: HeeKyung LEE)
One Short Day, a strangely joyful and energetic film, asks the true meaning of a plaza. The camera stoically captures SQCF’s journey facing the city’s denial of Seoul Plaza usage and the systemic injustices. Individuals on the screen might feel indignation but never powerless, and never lose their kindness in the worsening situation. One Short Day proudly proclaims to the systemic hatred that denies our existence: there is no need for permission in queer pride and there is plaza everywhere when queer individuals gather. This message also empowers the 25th Korea Queer Film Festival which was barred from screening at its original theater due to hate groups.
[Donate to the Korea Queer Film Festival]
- How to Donate: www.sqcf.org/donate
- For International Donations: https://www.paypal.me/sqcforg