Band’s redemption tale opens Jecheon film fest

“Pop Redemption,” by French director Martin Le Gall, was the opening film of the Jecheon International Music & Film Festival. Provided by the festival

One of the summer’s hottest festivals, the Jecheon International Music & Film Festival, kicked off Wednesday night. Against the backdrop of Cheongpung Lake in North Chungcheong, spokespersons Lim Seul-ong and Nam Bo-ra, and hosts for the evening Ju Ji-hoon and Ham Eun-jung led the star-studded red carpet procession.

Running for six days, the fest that combines music, movies and nature, will highlight the best music-themed films from feature-length movies, shorts and documentaries.

Director Hur Jin-ho (“Dangerous Liaisons” 2012), who has long emphasized the importance of great music in movies, is the head of the event committee this year.

The opening film was “Pop Redemption,” by French director Martin Le Gall.

The film is about the plight of a heavy metal rock band that reaches a make-or-break moment in its 15-year career. Le Gall attended the opening to promote his film that has been purchased by a Korean distributor, although its opening date hasn’t been scheduled.

The closing film will be chosen from the 95-film “World Music Film Today” segment, which showcases the finest films to do with music around the world.

Jury members include Osato Yokichi, chairman of the entertainment group Amuse; Krzysztof Gierat, head of the Krakow Film Festival; actress and director Ku Hye-sun; producer Lee Eugene and director Lee Hwan-kyung.

Yesterday, music director Lee Dong-jun was honored for his work in films like “Miracle in Cell No. 7” (2013), “Tae Geuk Gi: Brotherhood of War” (2004) and “Save the Green Planet” (2003).

Until Monday, there are also various acts, including 10cm and Sweet Sorrow, performing to movies like “The Kid Brother,” “Safety Last” and “Woodstock: Now and Then.”

By Carla Sunwoo [carlasunwoo@joongang.co.kr]