DMZ국제다큐멘터리영화제

Video activism has been a cornerstone of the Korean documentary and independent film landscape. From the democratization movement to labor rights, human rights, and advocacy for marginalized communities, the perspectives and concerns of activist-documentarians have profoundly shaped the aesthetics and ethical foundations of Korean documentary filmmaking. These filmmakers have consistently illuminated areas overlooked by mainstream institutions and media. To honor this critical spirit, the 2024 DMZ International Documentary Film Festival introduces ‘POV from the fields,’ a new on-site media production support program. The resulting works will premiere during the festival's 16th edition. Additionally, we spotlight a significant tradition in Korean independent documentary since the 2000s: the creation of omnibus project documentaries. These collaborative efforts bring together documentarians who voluntarily unite to engage with and support various societal issues in Korea. Our special exhibition, ‘Chronicles of Solidarity,’ showcases seven such projects. It begins with 16 Takes on Korean Society (2006), which offers diverse perspectives on Korean society at the turn of the 21st century, opening with the provocative statement "South Korea is going mad." The program culminates with this year's ‘POV from the fields’ supported works, Spring Wind Project 2: Meet Comrades Again and Side by Side. Complementing these screenings, we will host a range of side events, including a forum on Korean documentary cinema and activism. We anticipate that these conversations with documentary filmmakers who have been at the forefront of critical social struggles will inspire new forms of solidarity and collective action.