Festival Guests

Jo Seon-ho, the visionary director behind Hear Me: Our Summer (2024), brings a heartfelt touch to Korean cinema with his sophomore feature, a remake of the 2009 Taiwanese rom-com Hear Me. Following his acclaimed debut thriller A Day (2017), Jo captivates audiences with this tender tale of love and connection, sensitively portraying deaf characters through vibrant visuals and Korean Sign Language. Premiering at the 29th Busan International Film Festival and screened at Rotterdam, his work blends warmth and empathy, earning praise for its authentic storytelling. Join us at KOFFIA 2025 to meet Jo and dive into his inspiring cinematic journey during our Q&A sessions!

Lee Lu-da, the dynamic first-time director of The Noisy Mansion (2025), bursts onto the scene with a mystery-comedy that blends sharp humor and social critique, drawing from her own experiences with urban noise. Winning the 2020 Korean Film Council Screenplay Contest, Lee crafts a vibrant tale of community and justice, centered on a tenacious heroine tackling eerie apartment sounds. Premiering at the 19th London Korean Film Festival, her debut showcases a fresh voice in Korean cinema, tackling urban anxieties with warmth and wit. Join us at KOFFIA 2025 to meet Lee and explore her bold storytelling in our Q&A sessions!

Gyeong Su-jin, born December 5, 1987, in Incheon, South Korea, is an acclaimed actress celebrated for her versatile performances across television and film. She debuted in 2011 with New Tales of Gisaeng and gained prominence with supporting roles in Man from the Equator (2012), That Winter, the Wind Blows (2013), and Shark (2013). Her first lead role in TV Novel: Eunhui (2013) earned her Best New Actress awards at the KBS Drama Awards, showcasing her ability to captivate audiences. Gyeong has since starred in dramas like House of Bluebird (2015), Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo (2016), and Mouse (2021), and films such as The King’s Case Note (2017). At KOFFIA 2025, she joins us as the star of The Noisy Mansion (2025), an Australian premiere, bringing her dynamic presence to Sydney for an exclusive Q&A, sharing insights into her craft and Korean cinema’s vibrant storytelling.

Yang Woo-seok, the acclaimed director of About Family (2024), brings his signature depth to a heartwarming comedy-drama that redefines family in modern Korea, following his socially resonant hits The Attorney (2013) and Steel Rain (2017). A former webtoon artist turned filmmaker, Yang’s storytelling blends humor and humanity, earning About Family praise for tackling intergenerational bonds and societal shifts with warmth, premiered at the 29th Busan International Film Festival. Known for his meticulous research, including visiting over 100 dumpling shops for authenticity, Yang crafts universal stories that resonate deeply. Join us at KOFFIA 2025 to meet Yang and explore his profound cinematic vision during our Q&A sessions