[인터뷰] 독일에서 한국 영화의 꽃을 피운 '프로젝트K'가 그리는 한류의 미래
[Date Registered] 2024-05-06 [Views] 2509
'Project K' is a non-profit organization in Frankfurt, Germany, formed in 2012 by students majoring in Korean Studies at Goethe University and others interested in the Korean Film Festival. It hosts the Korean Film Festival annually, supported by the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Frankfurt1. The 12th Frankfurt Korean Film Festival in 2023 was held at CineStar Metropolis, the largest multiplex cinema, and Eldorado, the cinema with the longest history in Frankfurt2. It screened 20 commercial and independent films, including Celine Song's Past Lives, featuring various genres3. Additionally, diverse cultural programs were organized to allow visitors to experience Korean culture, such as Hanbok (traditional Korean clothing), handicrafts, traditional games, and a K-Pop dance competition4.
We met with Mr. Kim Dae-il, who has been active in 'Project K' since 2019 and currently serves as its representative, to hear his thoughts.
Hello. Please introduce yourself.
Hello. I am Kim Dae-il, the representative of 'Project K'. I was born in Korea and obtained German citizenship when I was young. I majored in law and currently hold the representative position at 'Project K'.
Can you explain what 'Project K' is for those who are unfamiliar with the organization?
'Project K' was founded in 2012 by students interested in Korean cinema. At the time, the influence of Korean culture was relatively minimal, so it was simply an organization created by students who wanted to screen Korean films on a big screen. They held the first Korean Film Festival for three days at the Goethe University Bockenheimer Campus in Frankfurt. There was a screening room on the second floor and a space called Cafe Koz on the first floor. Korean films were screened on the second floor, and programs for experiencing Korean culture were arranged on the first floor. The Korean Film Festival, which began on a small scale, started gaining greater influence around 2014 when the event was moved to the CineStar Metropolis cinema. Currently, 'Project K' holds the Korean Film Festival annually in Frankfurt, Germany, and plans to expand its cultural experience programs beyond the film festival in the future.
When I visited the Frankfurt Korean Film Festival, there were far more Germans than Koreans.
Yes, that's right. I'm always surprised. In the past, conversations with the audience were simply at the level of "I like Korea," but nowadays, the conversations are deeper and more specialized. The audience knows more about Korea now. I think people who genuinely like the films themselves, not just people who like Korea, are visiting. Therefore, in some cases, there are audience members who know more than I do.
What cultural characteristics of Germany do you think contribute to the success of the Korean Film Festival?
Germans enjoy experiencing culture. They like museums, exhibitions, and cinemas. Germans tend to consume well in the cultural sector. They are particularly interested in Asian culture. In the past, Japanese culture was the only Asian culture available for them to experience. Now that Korea provides opportunities to experience culture within Germany, there seems to be more interest.
What is the unique appeal of Korea?
The growing K-Pop industry and its mainstream popularity seem to have an influence. However, there are not many people who deeply understand Korean culture. I think it is important to effectively show the story that Korea is not just a nation with a sad and impoverished history, but one that overcame difficulties by itself.
< Mr. Kim Dae-il, who has been active in 'Project K' since 2019 and currently serves as its representative - Source: Correspondent photo >
In 2013, about 3,500 people visited the Korean Film Festival. What was the turnout like in 2023?
The 3,500 attendees at the time likely included participants in the cultural experience programs. In 2023, about 3,000 people visited the Korean Film Festival. The most difficult aspect of the Korean Film Festival currently is streaming. Not only we, but also other international film festivals and commercial cinemas, are struggling with this. A cinema called EKinos in Frankfurt has closed down.
You mentioned cultural experience programs. Which programs are most popular among the German audience?