The JEONJU International Film Festival (JEONJU IFF, Festival Co-Directors Min Sungwook and Jung Junho) unveiled the Canada Focus screening selections, a cultural exchange program in collaboration with the Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF).
The 26th JEONJU IFF will present ten Canadian films under the theme Canada Focus, in celebration of the “2024-2025 Canada-Korea Year of Cultural Exchanges," in collaboration with the Korean Foundation for International Cultural Exchange (KOFICE), the Embassy of Canada to the Republic of Korea, and the Canada Council for the Arts.
This section will highlight the coexistence of various cultures and identities within Canadian society as part of a cultural exchange program that emphasizes cultural diversity and inclusivity. Initiated as a cultural exchange with VIFF, this program will pave the way for a special Korean film section, Korea Focus, at the 44th VIFF, which will take place from October 2 (Thu) to October 12 (Sun), following the conclusion of the JEONJU IFF.
The lineup includes a diverse selection of Canadian films, ranging from the latest works by renowned directors such as Guy Maddin and Denis Côté to those by emerging talents.
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| ▲ From the left: Rumours, Days Before the Death of Nicky, Paul |
Rumours, co-directed by Guy Maddin, Evan Johnson, and Galen Johnson, key figures in Canadian cinema, along with Days Before the Death of Nicky and Paul, directed by Denis Côté, will be screened in the Masters section. Among them, Rumours satirizes a G7 summit, where the seven most influential world leaders gather. What begins as a meeting aimed at improving the world soon faces the challenges of impending global catastrophe, revealing how these supposedly dignified heads of state respond to crises. The film features an impressive cast, including Cate Blanchett, Alicia Vikander, Roy Dupuis, and Charles Dance.
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| ▲ From the left: Measures for a Funeral, Mongrels |
At the World Cinema section—featuring a diverse selection of films from across the globe that offer unique visions, push boundaries in format, and convey significant messages with remarkable craftsmanship—audiences will have the opportunity to engage with the expansive cultural viewpoints of Canadian filmmakers.
First, Measures for a Funeral, directed by Sofia Bohdanowicz, who previously presented MS Slavic 7 at the 21st JEONJU IFF, will return to JEONJU. Meanwhile, Mongrels, directed by Jerome Yoo, a Korean-Canadian actor and filmmaker, tells the story of a Korean family who has made Canada their home. Director Yoo will also participate in Guest Visits (GV).
At the Cinema Fest, a section showcasing films that blend artistic excellence with broad audience appeal across generations, audiences will be introduced to captivating Canadian cinema. The Mother and the Bear, directed by Chinese-Canadian filmmaker Johnny Ma, presents a deeply moving family story. When a mother’s daughter in Winnipeg, Canada, falls into a coma following an accident, she travels from Korea to this unfamiliar land. The film portrays the mother’s heartwarming journey as she immerses herself in the Korean community in Winnipeg.
At the Expanded Cinema section, two films will be presented: Archipelago of Earthen Bones — To Bunya, directed by Malena Szlam, and A Black Screen Too, directed by Rhayne Vermette.
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| ▲ From the top left (clockwise): The Mother and the Bear, Archipelago of Earthen Bones — To Bunya, A Black Screen Too, Lázaro at Night |
Lastly, at the Special Focus: Possible Cinemas section—which seeks creative breakthroughs in independent cinema—Canadian filmmaker Nicolás Pereda’s Lázaro at Night will be screened.
The 26th JEONJU IFF, featuring a wide-ranging selection of Canadian cinema that balances experimental and commercial sensibilities, will take place from April 30 (Wed) to May 9 (Fri) throughout Jeonju.
| The 26th JEONJU IFF Canada Focus Screenings |
| Title |
Director |
Country |
Section |
| Days Before the Death of Nicky |
Denis CÔTÉ |
Canada |
Masters |
| Rumours |
Evan JOHNSON,
Galen JOHNSON,
Guy MADDIN |
Canada, Germany, Hungary, United Kingdom, United States |
Masters |
| Lázaro at Night |
Nicolás PEREDA |
Mexico, Canada |
Special Focus:
Possible Cinemas |
| A Black Screen Too |
Rhayne VERMETTE |
Canada |
Expanded Cinema |
| Cherub |
Devin SHEARS |
Canada |
International
Competition |
| The Mother and the Bear |
Johnny MA |
Canada |
Cinema Fest |
| Mongrels |
Jerome YOO |
Canada |
World Cinema |
| Measures for a Funeral |
Sofia BOHDANOWICZ |
Canada, United Kingdom, Norway |
World Cinema |
Archipelago of Earthen Bones
— To Bunya |
Malena SZLAM |
Canada, Australia, Chile |
Expanded Cinema |
| Paul |
Denis CÔTÉ |
Canada |
Masters |
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