From supernatural horror and historical action to crime thrillers
Fancy a weekend at the cinema? You can make it a little more interesting with a trip to South Korea, without actually getting on a plane.
The Korean Film Festival is returning to Abu Dhabi this weekend, bringing six very different films to Manarat Al Saadiyat from 25 to 27 September.
The programme jumps between genres, so whether you’re into creepy supernatural stories, historical battles, crime thrillers or more feel-good drama, there should be something to tempt you.
This year’s festival is titled ‘Still Human’, exploring the ways people hold on to their humanity and dignity when life gets complicated.
The films tackle everything from friendship and community spirit to violence, danger and difficult family relationships.
Even better, all six screenings are free, although you’ll need to reserve your tickets in advance.
The festival kicks off with Miracle: Letters to the President on this Friday, 25 September. Set in rural South Korea during the 1980s, it follows a teenage maths whizz who is determined to get a railway station built in his remote village after residents are forced to walk along dangerous tracks to reach the outside world.
It’s inspired by the real story of Yangwon Station, which was built by local residents.
Things take a much darker turn with on Saturday, 26 September, with Don’t Buy the Seller, a crime thriller about a woman who buys a faulty washing machine through a second-hand app.
If historical action is more your thing, Noryang: Deadly Sea recreates the 1598 Battle of Noryang, while on Sunday, 27 September The Point Men takes inspiration from the real-life 2007 hostage crisis in Afghanistan.
For something properly creepy later that day, Exhuma delves into Korean shamanism, burial traditions and a mysterious family curse.
Meanwhile, Picnic offers a gentler finish, following two elderly friends as they return to their hometown and reconnect with people from their past.
The Korean Film Festival runs from September 25 to 27 at Manarat Al Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi. Admission is free with advance booking.
Korean Film Festival schedule
- Miracle: Letters to the President: 25 September, 7pm
- Don’t Buy the Seller: 26 September, 2pm, rated 15+
- Noryang: Deadly Sea: 26 September, 4.30pm
- Exhuma: 26 September, 7.30pm
- The Point Men: 27 September, 4pm
- Picnic: 27 September, 6.30pm
25-27 September, Manarat Al Saadiyat. For further information and tickets, visit kfilmfestuae.com
