These are fifteen films you shouldn’t miss at the Jecheon International Music & Film Festival which is taking place from August 10 – 15, 2023 in Jecheon, Korea.

This film is a recollection of that era that begins with the second hand of a clock. Even with a change in protagonists, the music consistently moves towards a single point. The film made efforts to capture the atmosphere of that era in every scene, and the national anthem and the theme song entitled That Day Comes are completed with the citizens’ cries at the end. To objectify that era, the music by the orchestra was recorded in the United States, and That Day Comes for the final touch was sung by Yonsei University students of that era (now elderly ladies and gentlemen)who chanted in the streets at the protests for democracy. (Kim Tae-seong)

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As South Korea celebrates the 10th anniversary of the debut of the world’s most successful boy group, BTS, the country is overflowing with shades of purple. The compilation book of BTS’s 10-year journey, Beyond the Story, has been published, and documentaries focusing on the members’ solo activities are being released. The festivities began in 2022. On October 15, 2022, the fullgroup concert of BTS, titled BTS: Yet to Come in Busan, took place, and the film BTS: Yet to Come in Cinema, capturing the live concert with 14 cinematic cameras, was released in 2023. Throughout the 70-minute performance, the members tirelessly run, sing, and breathe in sync with their fans ARMY. (Maeng Soojin)

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There is a woman who strives to discover her talents and a man who yearns to relinquish his. As the woman embarks on learning the guitar under the guidance of the man, they often reminisce about someone they have long buried in their memories—Minkyung. She was once a friend to the woman and a lover to the man. Despite their estrangement, Minkyung’s presence remains palpable in their conversations and songs. Dear Renee elucidates the reasons behind this connection, while simultaneously observing the evolving dynamics that music has forged. Director penned all the lyrics for the OST resulting in an album-like auditory experience that harmonizes with the film. (Nam Sunwoo)

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TAGO, a Korean traditional music ensemble comprising male performers specializing in percussion instruments, has recently arrived in the Netherlands. Their captivating performances are deeply rooted in the rich traditions of Korean music. Having successfully participated in the esteemed Edinburgh Fringe Festival, they have now been granted an opportunity to embark on a tour across 22 cities in the Netherlands. Despite facing a myriad of challenges, each member remains genuinely concerned about the future of their collective. With the documentary Knock, TAGO aims to offer the audience an exciting glimpse into the much-anticipated “transformation of traditional Korean music” they seek. (Nam Sunwoo)

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Touted as the most captivating documentary by the festival jury at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, renowned music producer and director D. Smith skillfully weaves together the story of four black transgender sex workers in New York and Atlanta. The film employs mesmerizing black-and-white visuals and thoughtfully curated soundtracks to bring their narratives to life. Through candid and unfiltered depictions that defy societal taboos, the four main characters offer a vivid portrayal of their daily lives, experiences, and reflections within the bustling city. (Jo Ji-hoon)

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Little Richard, who passed away in 2020, at the age of 87, stands as one of the most influential figures in the history of early rock and roll. His impact reverberated through generations of musicians, including The Beatles, Freddie Mercury, David Bowie, Prince, Elton John, influencing them not only in music but also in their appearance and spirit. This music documentary delves into Little Richard’s vibrant personality and extraordinary musical achievements through a combination of interviews and archival footage. Additionally, the film explores the unconventional and unique aspects of his identity. (Jo Ji-hoon)

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Opening the door to Looking for unravels a filmmaker’s worst nightmare—a stolen hard drive containing the final edited version of the film. The culprit behind this unfortunate event turns out to be the cinematographer. As the director grapples with this painful truth, they implore the crew to locate the missing cinematographer. The film, amidst shattered expectations, weaves a tapestry of songs, propelled by the stirring presence of Jungsik, a band featured in the movie. Not only do they contribute to the characters’ theme song, but they also inject tremendous energy as actors, roaring, “Let’s conquer the universe with rock!” (Nam Sunwoo)

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Within the romantic comedy storyline, this work is commendable for its attempt to blend SF and musical elements, genres not commonly found in Korean films. A robot, resembling its owner and possessing a love for jazz and audio, encounters an abandoned robot in the neighborhood. The subtle nature of the robots shines through the performances of the two actors, who skillfully convey the challenging task of expressing emotions as wounded yet mechanical beings. Through art and cinematography, the film portrays a dream-like representation of a dark near-future, emphasizing the unique journey of isolated characters coming to accept one another. (Lee Yongcheol)

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Decades after the disbandment of the iconic 1970s glam rock group ‘Exne Kedy’, Jun and Ibuki find themselves deeply enamored as they bond over their shared adoration for the band. Renowned Japanese independent film director Daisuke Miyazaki, celebrated for works like Yamato and Videophobia, weaves a captivating narrative of two individuals who cross paths in Nagoya in 2018, leading up to their anticipated reunion at a live performance in Tokyo four years later, entwined with the power of music. (Lim Seaeun)

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When tickets for the match between Tonga and France sell out, Maka decides to join a brass band performing before the game in order to watch the match live. Together with a group of Tongan community friends who have never played an instrument before, they form an impromptu band. Their reckless challenge is filled with laughter, enough to make you forget that the film is based on a true story. However, when their dream is finally realized, the film, which started off as a clumsy comedy, suddenly turns into a heartfelt human drama of triumph. It is a heartwarming and pure film that brings a smile with its warm and innocent energy. (Jin. Cho)

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This documentary originated with the director’s proposal to record Ryuichi Sakamoto’s active participation in environmental activism following the Fukushima nuclear accident. However, shortly after filming began, Sakamoto received a diagnosis of throat cancer, and the film takes a different turn. In the face of societal violence, global crises, and personal crises that hit close to home, how does an artist’s life and art react? Sakamoto discovers that the sounds existing in the world itself are the highest form of music. The film suggests that there lies the essence of music and the possibility of redemption, such as the sounds that can be heard in silence. (Maeng Soojin)

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An occult. I like the rupture created by the unfamiliarity of one thing in the familiar landscapes I used to see. Through thorough contemplation of being realistic, the composer created music. Svaha: The Sixth Finger depicts the process of searching for the real, and the music had to be that way too. The ilmmaker went to a temple near the Himalayas in Tibet and recorded the voice of a secret high priest of esoteric Buddhism. From the celebration of the birth of Buddha with traditional Buddhist instruments to lullabies that decorate the ending, the music in Svaha: The Sixth Finger is the result of constant efforts to align with the theme. (Kim Tae-seong)

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Alus, a musician returns to his hometown in Mongolia to care for his mother, who suffers from dementia. The film, presented in the form of a road movie, showcases the beauty of Mongolian Mother Nature, its people, and traditional music. The connection between nature and music symbolizes the vitality of life while evoking nostalgic memories of the past, which in turn awakens the mother’s blurred present. Through poignant motherson interactions and the breathtaking landscape of Mongolian tradition, the film portrays delicate yet restrained emotions, delivering a profound message about the joys and sorrows of life. (Yoo Sunhee)

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This hidden masterpiece is a collaboration between director Hwang Dong-hyuk, famous for the series Squid Game, and the late Ryuichi Sakamoto, who participated in a Korean film for the first time as a music composer. Upon receiving director Hwang’s suggestion, Ryuichi Sakamoto was introduced to traditional Korean musical instruments and began working on the composition with young Korean musicians. Although King Injo kneels before the Qing Khan and the people are scattered in search of their own paths, the original soundtrack melodies by Sakamoto convey the determination of the characters to overcome adversity and live their lives, even through the music. (Huh Namwoong)

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Water and Alcohol cleverly explores the dichotomy of human nature through two entirely different liquids. What starts as a simple exploration of the interplay between reason and emotion, embodied by a woman who enjoys drinking and a man who cannot, gradually expands into a broader examination of themes such as mental and physical love, yearning, and fear. Eventually, the film touches upon the creative arts of music and writing. As we experience these emotions alongside the characters, the movie seeps into our consciousness like water and leaves a lasting impact, much like alcohol. (Suan Seol)

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For more information, please visit: https://www.jimff.org