Diaspora in Focus
A new section titled ¡°Suh Kyung-sik¡¯s Theater¡± was to be featured during this year¡¯s DIAFF. As a Zainichi Korean scholar who reawakened the existence and lives of diasporas in Korean society and served as a festival advisor for the DIAFF, Suh Kyung-sik had chosen films based on his extraordinary affection for them. However, he suddenly passed away on December 18, 2023. What he left behind was a list of 6 films. This year¡¯s ¡®Diaspora in Focus¡¯ offers screenings of all 6 films that Suh Kyung-sik loved and wanted to share with the audience in Incheon. Why did he select these 6 films out of a wide array of numerous films? Self-proclaimed members of the ¡®Suh Kyung-sik School¡¯* became Suh Kyung-sik and filled up the statements of selection. Lastly, a commemorative documentary from Suh Kyung-sik¡¯s long-time friend and documentary director Kamakura Hideya was added. The hope is that these remaining films may convey Professor Suh Kyung-sik¡¯s message and provide hope to endure in this world. To quote what he wrote in his final column, ¡°The era of severity is approaching hour by hour. But do not lose courage and keep your face up, for we must keep on telling the truth.¡± ** (Hyuksang Ksan LEE)
* Quoted from the expression used by SHIBUYA Tomomi, Associate Professor at Tokyo Keizai University. (¡°How Does Suh Kyung-sik Influence People? — As a Member of the Suh Kyung-sik School,¡± Re-reading Suh Kyung-sik 2: Reminiscences and Conversations/The Final Lecture, Yeonrip Seoga, 2023)
** Suh Kyung-sik, ¡°Let¡¯s Keep on Telling the Truth: Notes on Ending the Serialization¡±, The Hankyoreh, July 6, 2023.