In celebration of the 60-year anniversary of diplomatic relations between South Korea and Canada, TIFF Cinematheque presents a 10-film survey of Korean cinema showcasing the breadth of the region’s greatest achievements in film and contributions to international cinema. Curated in consultation with Seoul Cinematheque and KOFIC, these films range from the Golden Age of Korean cinema in the 1950s, beginning with Madame Freedom — a melodrama (scandalous in its day) about the effect of changing post-war social morés and economic growth — and culminating in Lee Chang-dong’s (Burning) award-winning Poetry in 2010. Other highlights include the sepia-toned and elliptical exploration of grief in Lee Jang-ho’s The Man with Three Coffins; Yim Soon-rye’s acclaimed indie Waikiki Brothers, following a cover band struggling to bridge the gap between their dreams and reality; the influential and strikingly kinetic Nowhere to Hide, an action/thriller/comedy defined by its hyper-stylized visuals and effects; and a snapshot of 1970s authoritarian era from a youth perspective, the coming-of-age classic March of Fools, which is by turns angst-ridden and bittersweet.

Join us as we kick off the series on Friday, July 28 with a celebration of the 60-year anniversary of diplomatic relations between South Korea and Canada. Generously supported by the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Toronto, audiences are invited to attend a free opening-night reception from 6:30 pm to 8 pm in the TIFF Bell Lightbox atrium, featuring:

• Food and beverages
• Performance by Navillera Korean Dance Company, a group dedicated to promoting Korean culture through performing arts and education
• An art activation by Kseniya Tsoy, an artist best known for their whimsical participatory murals using vibrant colours, bold minimalist shapes and uplifting messages
• The opening-night reception will be followed by a ticketed screening of Han Hyeong-mo’s groundbreaking Madame Freedom