Jecheon festival lauds music-themed movies

Is it a festival for films about music, or simply about film music?

The Jecheon International Music and Film Festival has sat on the fence about this issue for the last three years.

But this year, the organizers are determined to solidify its identity as a festival specifically about music-themed films, encouraged by last year’s opening film, “Once,” the 2007 Irish musical film.

“This year’s slogan ‘Jump, JIMFF’ underscores our ambition to put us on the map of international film festivals as a unique and one-of-a-kind music film festival,” said Jo Seong-woo, the organizing committee chairman.

“Acknowledging musical film as a defining genre in the film industry, the festival will be a venue for the producers and supporters of the form.”

From Aug. 14 to 19, the festival will showcase 82 music-inspired films from 30 countries. This year’s opener is “Young at Heart” by Stephen Walker, a British film about senior citizens and contemporary music.

“It’s a happy, cheerful movie about enjoying the golden years with music,” explained Jeon Jin-su, the program organizer. In addition, the “World Music Film Today” competition will debut this year with 10 music films.

By Kim Hyung-eun Staff Reporter [hkim@joongang.co.kr]