"The Journals of Musan" wins top prize at film fest in Poland

Korean director Park Jung-bum at the Off Plus Camera International Festival of Independent Cinema held in Krakow, Poland on April 17, 2011. [Official website of the Off Plus Camera film festival]

Korean film "The Journals of Musan" took home the top prize of a film festival held in Poland over the weekend.

"The Journals of Musan," both helmed by and starring director Park Jung-bum, won the Krakow Film Award on the final day of the Off Plus Camera International Festival of Independent Cinema held in Krakow, Poland on April 17, the fest's official website showed.

“I can't believe that I received such an important award. This film is important to me in particular, given it was made in memory of my deceased friend,” Park said in his acceptance speech for the film based on his friend's real-life experience.

"Musan" tells the story of a North Korean defector (played by Park) named Seung-chul who tries to adapt to South Korea's capitalist society. Seung-chul faces much discrimination in trying to find a decent job and making friends at church.

The film, which opened in local theaters on April 14, has already won at other various international film festivals including the New Currents Award and International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI) Award at the 15th Busan International Film Festival last October, top prize at the 10th Marrakech International Film Festival held in Morocco in December and the Tiger Award -- a competitive category which screens directors' first or second-time feature films -- during the 40th International Film Festival Rotterdam in February.

"Musan" was also invited to the Hong Kong International Film Festival, Tribeca Film Festival and San Francisco International Film Festival. It was named a must-see film by New York's Time Out New York magazine.

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