National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art's 'Strange War' Exhibition-Linked Film Program Opens

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Byung-hee] The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA) will hold a film program linked to the exhibition "Strange War" currently on view at the Seoul branch, titled "Strange War: For the Unrestored," from July 29 to September 20 at MMCA Film & Video in Seoul.

"Strange War: For the Unrestored" examines memories and traces of the Korean War as reconstructed from the present perspective, showcasing 20 works by 21 domestic and international directors focusing on vulnerable groups in war such as women, children, and refugees. The screening program is divided into three parts: "Memory and Testimony," "Future of Ruins," and "Life and Bombs."

The first part, "Memory and Testimony," introduces films in which generations who did not directly experience the war reconstruct the experiences and lives of previous generations through records, videos, and interviews. The films feature individual and specific characters who cannot be defined by a single abstract term, such as refugees, exiles, veterans, war orphans, prisoners of war, and massacre victims. Screenings include "Goodbye My Love NK: Red Youth (2017)," about North Korean directors who went to the Moscow State Film School during the Korean War, and "Memories of a Forgotten War (2013)," which tells the personal stories of four Korean Americans who survived the Korean War.

The second part, "Future of Ruins," explores not only the trauma of war but also social imbalances and heightened tensions caused by destructive phases of war, such as minority hatred, excessive public authority, and everyday military culture. The vivid aftermath of war reminds us that the ongoing war has not yet ended beside us. Screenings include "La Jet?e (1962)," the only fiction film by Chris Marker, a pioneer of visual aesthetics, and "Army (2018)," which portrays the personal life of a soldier enlisted in the army honor guard.

Chris Marker 'Farewell Platform' Still Image, 1962
Photo by National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Provided

The third part, "Life and Bombs," focuses on those living precarious lives in international conflict zones. This eerie repetition reminiscent of the Korean Peninsula in the 1950s is made even more horrifying by the reality that the scenes before us are continuing somewhere in real time. Yet miraculously, even on battlefields, people discover beautiful moments and do not lose their strong will and power to restore life. Screenings include "Wandering People (2017)," depicting people worldwide forced to roam due to war and famine, and "Russian Lessons (2010)," which covers the 2008 Russia-Georgia war from both sides of the front line.

Yoon Bum-mo, director of the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, said, "We present contemporary films that deeply explore the Korean War and wars and disasters worldwide, focusing on individual experiences and lives," adding, "Through films portraying those who do not give up human dignity and the will to live even in tragic situations, we hope this becomes an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of peace and coexistence for humanity."

Films screened at MMCA Film & Video can be viewed free of charge through the "Seoul Branch Exhibition Reservation" on the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art website. To prevent the spread of COVID-19, disinfection is conducted before each screening, and seating is limited to marked seats to practice social distancing.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.