JIMFF: Film gurus and top stars glitz up 8th JIMFF

Korean Actress Yoo In-young (left) and actor Choi Woo-shik (right) pose together before fans at the red carpet during the opening ceremony of the 8th Jecheon International Music and Films Festival held in Jecheon, North Chungcheong Province, South Korea on August 9, 2012. [Lee Jin-hyuk/10Asia]

The eighth Jecheon International Music and Film Festival has finally pulled up its curtains with musical “Moby Dick,” the first musical in Korea where actors act, sing, dance and play instruments all on the same stage.

The Asia’s first international music and film fest embarked on its 7-day run in the city of Jecheon in Chungcheong Province, South Korea, on August 9.

Under the slogan "One More Step," the festival has invited 100 movies and 50 artists for the lineup in a bid to strengthen its foothold as the country's, and Asia’s, the only music theme movie fest.

With actress Lee Yoon-ji hosting the opening ceremony, big name stars in the films and music scene walked down the red carpet, including promotional ambassadors Kim Dong-wook and Kang Yea-won.

All dolled up for the evening outdoor event held nearby scenic Lake Cheongpung, actresses, including Ku Hye-sun and Yoon Eun-hye, donned in evening gowns and sparkling accessories strutted and posed for the flashing cameras.

Ku Hye-sun, actress and director, also attended the ceremony with two child actors she has worked with for her latest features. The event is even more meaningful to the star as she has been invited as a director after being acknowledged by her "Fragments of Sweet Memories” (2012) and “The Peach Tree" (2011), which will be screened during the fest.

Drawing attention is the appearance of famed director Lee Sang-woo of "Barbie" (2012) and veteran actors Ahn Sung-ki, Myung Kye-nam and Lim Ha-ryong, who all have made a significant contribution to the development of the Korean cinema scene.

After "Moby Dick" actors sang, danced and played instruments, making the perfect sound for visitors to croon in the evening of Jecheon, “Searching for Sugar Man” was premiered on the big screen behind the stage.

"Searching for Sugar Man," Malik Bendjelloul's documentary on the life of forgotten '70s folk-rocker Rodriguez, was the perfect choice to mark the launch of the fest.

Director Bendjelloul’s portrayal of the musician offered a moment to refuge from the onslaught of summer heat and lived up to the expectations of the visitors who made a long trip to the beautiful city.


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