DIAFF 2016
DIAFF 4th (2016)
¡®Film, So LAN¡¯ is a media education program for immigrants. Just like last year, we have provided media education and filmmaking workshop to the diasporas around the Incheon area. During the five months, the local diasporas of Incheon (families of marriage migrants, Chinese emigrants, international students, etc.) have taken part in a filmmaking workshop. The films will be presented at the premiere screening during the Diaspora Film Festival. In the second year of 'Film, So LAN', five teams have participated; Multiculture Love Society 'New Dream School'; primary students of Overseas Chinese School; secondary students of the same school; team Siren of AIDA Maeul; Vietnamese Art Group Rainbow Hill. Five different short films of heartfelt stories of immigrants-from concerns of youth, the difficulty of communication in Korea, to nostalgia- will be screened. Not only will this be a great opportunity for the immigrants for their voices to be heard, but also a chance for the immigrants and the natives to understand and sympathize through differences and similarities.
Film, So LAN Premiere Screening
Artist's Words
<D¡¯Ici et d¡¯Ailleurs (Here and Elsewhere) >
I was watching the people on boats; the news on the European migrant crisis. These people had escaped to the sea, to the boundless ocean. What could have been on their mind while floating there? How have they imagined their lives to be? The first eight pieces of work were created while I was in residency in France, through encounters with immigrants that came to live there. But when I came back to Korea, I soon felt deeply embarrassed: That I live in the Republic of Korea but have not made any artwork about North Korean refugees: That I did not pay much interest in North Korean refugees only until after working on a project about European migrant crisis.
Since 2015, I have met with North Korean refugees, interviewed them, and recorded their stories. Adding my imagination, I have created a series of photographs under the same title
The pressurization pump of soul, 'Yun Dong-ju Literature House' has produced a documentary about the poet.
Born in Kyoto, Japan as the second generation Korean Japanese, Seo Gyeong-sik (Professor at Tokyo Keizai University) has lived his whole life between the two countries. As a diasporic existence himself, Professor Seo gives another special lecture at the 4th Diaspora Film Festival.
Professor Seo is the original writer and cast of the documentary film
"Primo Levi was a witness for our future. But this side of the world, namely our world has neither listened to his voice nor paid respect to the witness. By throwing his physical body through the pale darkness unto the cold stone floor, he had crushed our superficiality into pieces."
an excerpt from by Seo Gyeong-sik
Lecture after the screening of < Why did the witness of Auschwitz commit suicide? In search of Primo Levi >
We invite professor Seo Gyeong-sik and media artist Yeondoo Jung to share a conversation on Jung's artwork
Yeondoo Jung will open the conversation with the why and how behind this project. Professor Seo will then share his thoughts on the artwork from a diasporic point of view. The audience will be able to broaden the speculative field on diaspora and examine the meaning of 'present diaspora'.
The first Korean emigrants left from Incheon in 1902. Since then, Incheon has always been the city closest to immigration; historically and areally. 'Tabaktabak Diaspora Travelog' is an orienteering program where participants travel on foot through the historic sites around the open port area. It was the departure point for Korean emigrants but also the point of arrival for Chinese immigrants. The open port area harbors the history and culture of overseas Chinese immigrants. Jajangmyeon Museum, Overseas Chinese History Museum, and an exotic China Town are some of the venues that you can visit. Due to dispersions, migrations, and travels, Jung-gu became home to many modern architectural heritage and attractions. Travel around and rediscover the identity and history of the diasporas. Experience and witness why Incheon is significant to Korea's modern history.
Odd Market is operated by 'Yoil Shop - All is Right', a famous local life and culture space at Baedari alley. In the Yoil Shop, diverse programs such as craft workshop, theater or painting lesson takes place on each 'yoil', a Korean word for 'the day of the week'. The shop has become a cultural leader in open communication and sharing with the locals.
For two days during the 4th Diaspora Film Festival, 'Rented Bookshop' rents a corner in 'Bookshop Between'. 'Rented Bookshop' is a project run by editor W and designer M. For about a year, they have been renting small venues and setting up corner bookstores. Some of the venues include a cafe around Aegwan Theater in Incheon and a shop in Saetgol alley near Dowon station.
Books are personally chosen by the two; ones they have read themselves and wish to recommend to others; or a customized recommendation for the visitors of their newly 'Rented Bookshop'.
At 'Rented Bookshop at Bookshop Between' during the festival week, you will be met with diverse forms of independent publications, including books on diaspora. These are personal selections of editor W, who has been studying diaspora with immense interest.