The London Korean Film Festival (LKFF) is back with its 18th edition, and this year promises to be a special one as it commemorates the 40th Anniversary of the Korean Academy of Film Arts (KAFA). The festival, known for its dedication to presenting the best of Korean cinema, is set to run from November 2nd to November 16th, 2023, and will feature a diverse and exciting lineup of films.

The festival will kick off with a grand Opening Red Carpet Gala featuring the film A Normal Family by acclaimed director Hur Jin-ho, on November 2nd, at the BFI Southbank. This film is based on the celebrated Dutch novel Het Diner (The Dinner) by Herman Koch, a twisty melodrama exploring family dynamics and moral conundrums.

As a fitting finale to the festival, the Closing Gala on November 16th will screen Dr. Cheon and the Lost Talisman by director Kim Seong-sik. This comedy-action film revolves around a fake exorcist who unexpectedly faces a real case of demonic possession. The film stars the talented actor Gang Dong-won, who was recently seen in Koreeda’s Broker, and offers a delightful blend of humour with supernatural elements.

Additionally, the festival will include a Special Presentation of Riceboy Sleeps by Korean-Canadian writer-director Anthony Shim. This drama, loosely based on Shim’s own life, tells the story of a Korean single mother raising her young son in Canada during the 1990s. The LKFF will host its ceremonies at the prestigious BFI Southbank and is in celebration of the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the UK and Korea.

The festival will feature an impressive program of 40 films divided into various categories, including Cinema Now, Special Focus: 40th Anniversary of KAFA, Women’s Voices, Special Screenings, and Korea Season: Indie Talent and Korea Season: Disability in Korean Cinema

In the Cinema Now section, the latest works of beloved director Hong Sang-soo, including Walk Up, will be presented. The section will also feature Lim Oh-jeong’s intriguing adventure story and ironic moral drama, Hail to Hell, and a neo-noir film, Open The Door, directed by Chang Hang-jun, which delves into the disintegrating lives of a Korean migrant family in New Jersey.

The festival’s Women’s Voices strand continues its tradition of championing female filmmakers with thought-provoking films such as A Table for Two, a documentary exploring anorexia symptoms and their societal connections, and The Summer, a queer romance influenced by personal ambitions and the world’s conditions. Additionally, several short films will complement this strand. A significant highlight of the festival is the Special Focus: 40th Anniversary of KAFA, a tribute to the Korean Academy of Film Arts, which has nurtured numerous talents in the Korean film industry. The festival will also host a forum to dive into the history and impact of KAFA.

With its exciting program presenting diverse voices in Korean cinema, the 18th London Korean Film Festival will be a cinematic treat for audiences in the UK. Mark your calendars for this celebration of Korean filmmaking. For the full schedule go to the LKFF website.

_{View of the Arts is a British online publication that chiefly deals with films, music, and art, with an emphasis on the Asian entertainment industry. We are hoping our audience will grow with us as we begin to explore new platforms such as K-pop / K-music, and Asian music in general, and continue to dive into the talented and ever-growing scene of film, music, and arts, worldwide.}