By Honorary Reporter Khloud Khaled AboulYazed from Egypt
Photos = Khloud Khaled AboulYazed

The Korean Cultural Center (KCC) in Cairo, Egypt, from Nov. 22 to Dec. 2 held "Korean Movie Nights in Egypt" in Cairo, Alexandria and Hurghada. As a first-time attendee, I went to the screening in my city, Alexandria, and saw six movies at San Stefano Cinema.

 

Going there with my family, I found the cinema buzzing with Korean culture enthusiasts. We received a brochure providing a summary of each film, awards, and information about the cast and directors. 

The day I attended (Nov. 22) also happened to be Kimchi Day, with a related event showcasing types of the spicy condiment like cabbage, onion, radish and cucumber as well as kimchi fried rice. Given high demand for tasting kimchi, the KCC gave a brochure on the condiment's history and traditions as well as its ingredients, types and recipes.

Korean Ambassador to Egypt Kim Young-hyun also appeared at the event, taking photos with viewers and answering questions on Korean culture. In a speech, he also conveyed his appreciation for Alexandria's monuments and an Egyptian movie he watched on an EgyptAir flight to Egypt after his vacation.

Korean General Consul Choi Byung-sun was also present at the event and pledged more events in Alexandria. Then came the movies: "Sunset in My Hometown" and "The Book of Fish." Released in 2018 and directed by Lee Jun-ik, "Sunset" follows a young man's entry in a rap competition, stressing resilience amid failure. Debuting in 2021, "The Book of Fish" explores the persecution of Catholics in Korea over the years, telling about a scientist's exile and collaboration with a young fisherman. Both films are family friendly.

On the second day, the event held a retrospective of director Han Jae-rim's films and screened "Face Reader" (2013) and "Emergency Declaration" (2022). The former is set in the Joseon Dynasty and was inspired by a historical event in 1435; the protagonist, the kingdom's best face reader, discovers a conspiracy against the king. "Emergency Declaration" was based on a real incident in which a suspicious death prompts an emergency landing. Both thrillers held the audience's attention until the final moments.

The final day showcased director Jang Han-jun's "Rebound" and Kim Jin-yoo's "Bori." The former is the inspiring story of a high school basketball team's miraculous journey while the latter depicts the struggles of a deaf family, exploring the themes of acceptance and identity. "Rebound" was my favorite for its motivational message of stressing the pursuit of dreams regardless of external opinions.

msjeon22@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.