Amidst the Pacific center of Hawaiʻi, a diverse array of Korean independent films and cultural arts events will unfold in celebration of the Korean Chuseok holiday. The ‘Intimate Korea: 2026 Korean Independent Film Showcase in Hawaiʻi,’ co-hosted by the Honolulu Museum of Art (HoMA)—a premier cultural institution in Hawaiʻi—and NOW Production Films, will take place over three days from September 25 to 27 at the museum’s Doris Duke Theatre.

This event was brought to life through a collaboration between the museum, which has introduced art films from around the world, and the production company, which has documented the history of Korean immigration and cultural heritage in Hawaiʻi through film. Officially sponsored by the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Honolulu and the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority, a total of nine works will meet audiences: four feature films capturing the diverse lives and contemporary perspectives of Korean society, and five short films selected from CJ Cultural Foundation’s short film production support program, ‘STORY UP.’

On opening day, September 25, starting at 5:00 PM, the Chuseok celebration event (HoMA Night: Chuseok & Cinema) will be held across the museum. Diverse cultural programs, traditional foods, and performances introducing Korea's holiday culture will fill the museum, followed by the screening of the feature opening film, 〈Super Dining〉 directed by Yoon Jung-lee, at 8:00 PM. A Q&A session allowing direct communication between the director and the audience will follow the screening.

A special program drawing high anticipation from audiences stands out during the film festival. On September 26 at 4:30 PM, the cinema concert ‘Aloha & Arirang’ (directed by Jinyoung Lee), which combines live music with the film 〈Songs of Love from Hawaiʻi〉 dealing with the deep sorrows of Korean immigration history in Hawaiʻi, will take the stage. The performance will feature actress Ye Soo-jung—who delivered a deep performance as picture bride Im Ok-soon in 〈Songs of Love from Hawaiʻi〉—readings by author Gary Pak, and live performances by a string quartet composed of musicians from the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra, delivering heavy emotion to the audience. Immediately following the performance, a Q&A session featuring director Jinyoung Lee, actress Ye Soo-jung, and author Gary Pak will take place.

Actress Ye Soo-jung will visit the film festival to continue special encounters with local audiences. Following her stage appearance at the September 26 cinema concert, she will also participate directly in the Q&A session held after the screening of director Yang Jong-hyun’s feature film 〈Person and Meat〉 on September 27 at 11:00 AM, sharing candid stories about film and acting.

In addition, feature works that keenly capture the flip side of contemporary Korean society will be screened, including 〈Words Whispered by the Wind〉 directed by Yang Hee and 〈The Cold, A Stormy Night〉 directed by Ha Myung-mi. Furthermore, on the afternoon of September 27, five short films showcasing sensory and fresh perspectives will be screened consecutively: 〈Good Mother〉 directed by Yu-jin Lee, 〈My Name Is Sarah〉 directed by Deok-keun Kim, 〈Echo〉 directed by Yu-ri Lim, 〈Yubin and Geun〉 directed by Ji-hyo Kang, and 〈A Killer Word〉 directed by Kyu-jin Kim, broadening the spectrum of Korean independent cinema.

Beyond the everyday scenic landscapes of Hawaiʻi famous as a beautiful resort destination, this film festival is expected to serve as a cultural bridge conveying deep reflections on the lives of Koreans, immigration history, and human nature. It is projected to be a precious opportunity to deeply imprint the true essence of Korean culture and arts onto local residents and the diaspora community in Hawaiʻi.

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