From Hong Seok-cheon to Kinky and Jamie, All Gathered! The 15th Seoul International Pride Film Festival Opening Ceremony

The 15th Seoul International Pride Film Festival (SIPFF, Executive Chairman Kim Jo-gwang-su) successfully held its opening ceremony on November 6th, Thursday at 7 PM at CGV Piccadilly 1958, marking the start of the festival that will run for a total of 7 days.

The largest queer film festival in our country, the Seoul International Pride Film Festival, which showcases the forefront of queer cinema from around the world, kicked off its fifteenth edition on November 6th (Thursday) at 7 PM at CGV Piccadilly 1958. The opening ceremony was attended by Executive Chairman Kim Jo-gwang-su, Programmer Kim Seung-hwan, actor Hong Seok-cheon, as well as director Ray Young, who visited Korea from the Asia-Pacific Queer Film Festival Alliance (APQFFA), and Stan Vidal from the Hong Kong LGBT Film Festival, adding to the event's prestige. Additionally, domestic filmmakers including actor Kim Se-won, former Chairman of the Korean Film Council Oh Seok-geun, film journalist Lee Hwa-jeong, Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival programmer Lee Jeong-yeop, Seoul Independent Film Festival Executive Chairman Mo Eun-young, Busan International Film Festival programmer Park Seong-ho, and Chairman of the Korean Independent Film Association Baek Jae-ho also attended, enhancing the significance of the event.

The opening ceremony was initiated by actor Lee Young-jin and broadcaster Oh Je-hyung. Actor Lee Young-jin remarked, "The Seoul International Pride Film Festival has now reached its fifteenth year," and added, "Every time I stand here, I feel again that it was possible because we were together. I sincerely thank everyone who has continuously supported and cheered for us." Broadcaster Oh Je-hyung then stated, "The Seoul International Pride Film Festival is not just a place to screen films, but a space where the hearts that respect and understand each other's existence meet," and expressed his hope that "this stage will be a comfort to someone and a new courage to another."

In the following segment, the newly revamped award names of the Seoul International Pride Film Festival were introduced. Starting this year, the Korean Short Film Competition's 'Best Film Award' has been renamed to 'Rush Korea Pride Award', and the 'Best Actor Award' has been renamed to 'Hong Seok-cheon Pride Award', further expanding the values of 'solidarity and respect' that the festival aims for. First, the 'Rush Korea Pride Award' (Best Film Award) was established to honor the philosophy of Rush Korea, which has continuously campaigned for LGBTQ+ rights and diversity. On stage, Rush Korea CEO Woo Mi-ryeong stated, "The Seoul International Pride Film Festival is a precious place that shows the possibility of companies practicing social responsibility through art," and added, "Rush will continue to engage in activities that convey the values of diversity and equality." The introduction of the 'Hong Seok-cheon Pride Award' (Best Actor Award) was personally handled by actor Hong Seok-cheon. He stated, "This award is given not just for outstanding acting, but for those who express their true selves on stage and screen without hiding," and expressed his hope that "junior actors can convey their stories more freely and confidently."

Next, the highlight of the opening ceremony was undoubtedly the performance by Korea's first LGBTQ dance crew 'Coming Out'. The seven dancers (Wakun, Kinky, Maep-si, Kiki, Jamie, Easy, Willy) captivated the audience with a performance that combined waacking and voguing. With funky disco music and explosive gestures, the message of 'the courage to reveal one's existence' resonated with the audience, and the atmosphere of the opening ceremony ignited like the start of a festival.

Afterward, Executive Chairman Kim Jo-gwang-su took the stage to declare the opening, stating, "While the world is still going through uncertain times, I believe that the power that connects us is ultimately love and solidarity," and added, "Film is the most beautiful language that continues that belief." He declared with vigor, "With the applause and support of all the audience present here, I will proudly commence the 15th Seoul International Pride Film Festival, which embodies the values of diversity and respect, from this moment on." Finally, Programmer Kim Seung-hwan took the stage to introduce this year's festival program, including the opening film 〈Pillion〉. Regarding the selection of 〈Pillion〉 as the opening film, he stated, "〈Pillion〉 is not just a simple romance or subculture film, but a masterpiece that sharply and humorously addresses the power structures in human relationships and questions of self-identity." He continued, "In the film, you will feel the intense vibrations of a motorcycle engine while experiencing the tremors of love and desire colliding in the theater," urging the audience who attended the opening ceremony to look forward to it.

 Starting with the screening of the opening film 〈Pillion〉, the 15th Seoul International Pride Film Festival has officially commenced its schedule for a total of 7 days at CGV Piccadilly 1958. Until November 12th (Wednesday), it will present a rich program featuring 114 films from 37 countries around the world, brilliantly decorating the screen with a rainbow of colors. Detailed information about the festival can be found on the official website (sipff.kr) and social media.