Cinecube’s 25th Anniversary Film "Times of the Theater" Sells Out at Busan International Film Festival

The main cast of "Times of the Theater" on the stage of the Busan International Film Festival. Photo by Tcast

Tcast announced on September 24 that the film "Times of the Theater," a project commemorating the 25th anniversary of Cinecube, achieved a sold-out record for all seats at the 30th Busan International Film Festival.

Cinecube, operated by Tcast, a media affiliate of Taekwang Group, produced "Times of the Theater" in an omnibus short film format to celebrate its 25th anniversary. Directed by Lee Jongpil and Yoon Gaeun, this work emphasizes that a theater is more than just a screening venue-it is a cinematic space where the lives, emotions, and memories of audiences are accumulated.

The first screening, held on September 19 at Lotte Cinema Centum City Auditorium 5, sold out approximately 200 seats. During the post-screening Q&A session, the directors and actors participated in person to explain the messages contained in the work.

President Lee Jaemyung and First Lady Kim Hyekyung attended the second screening and Q&A, held on September 20 at the Cinematheque of the Busan Cinema Center. After watching the film, the presidential couple joined the discussion with the directors and actors, demonstrating their interest in the film industry. The following day, a stage greeting was held at the outdoor stage of the Busan Cinema Center, drawing a crowd of about 2,000 people and adding to the festive atmosphere.

Cinecube, which was launched based on the idea of former Taekwang Group Chairman Lee Hojin, is a leading art cinema in Korea that has served as a hub for independent and art film screenings for the past 25 years, prioritizing artistic quality and social messages over commercial appeal. This project is significant as it marks the first time a theater has taken the lead as a producer, rather than just a screening venue.

Producer Je Jeongju, who oversaw the production, said, "The 'Times of the Theater' anthology is an opportunity to expand the social value of art cinemas and explore a new production ecosystem in the film industry through collaboration with young creators." Park Jiye, team leader at Cinecube, stated, "We wanted to share with the audience that theaters are places where memories, emotions, and inspiration intersect," adding, "Cinecube's 25th anniversary project will continue throughout this year."

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