SISFF Classical Cinema
Cinema as Cultural Heritage
Cinema is more than entertainment—it is a form of timeless cultural heritage, capturing the spirit of its era even as time moves on. Korean classic films, in particular, reflect the nation’s history, culture, and sensibilities with vivid clarity, earning enduring admiration across generations. In the early 2010s, seven Korean classics were designated as National Registered Cultural Properties in recognition of their cultural value. In late 2024, four more were added, bringing the total to twelve films now officially recognized as part of Korea’s cultural heritage.
Each year, SISFF, in partnership with the Korean Film Archive (KOFA), presents SISFF Classical Cinema to celebrate the enduring value of these works and to foster cultural appreciation and connection. This year’s program features the four newly designated titles, inviting audiences to experience their artistic and historical significance.
From a vibrant CinemaScope adaptation of the pansori tale Chunhyangjeon to a pioneering Korean psychological thriller; from a historical record of the aftermath of the Korean War to a poignant explo-ration of industrialization and fractured human relationships—these works span genres and eras, each capturing the complex emotional layers of Korean soci-ety. Together, they offer not only aesthetic power but lasting cultural insight.
Cinema is more than entertainment—it is a form of timeless cultural heritage, capturing the spirit of its era even as time moves on. Korean classic films, in particular, reflect the nation’s history, culture, and sensibilities with vivid clarity, earning enduring admiration across generations. In the early 2010s, seven Korean classics were designated as National Registered Cultural Properties in recognition of their cultural value. In late 2024, four more were added, bringing the total to twelve films now officially recognized as part of Korea’s cultural heritage.
Each year, SISFF, in partnership with the Korean Film Archive (KOFA), presents SISFF Classical Cinema to celebrate the enduring value of these works and to foster cultural appreciation and connection. This year’s program features the four newly designated titles, inviting audiences to experience their artistic and historical significance.
From a vibrant CinemaScope adaptation of the pansori tale Chunhyangjeon to a pioneering Korean psychological thriller; from a historical record of the aftermath of the Korean War to a poignant explo-ration of industrialization and fractured human relationships—these works span genres and eras, each capturing the complex emotional layers of Korean soci-ety. Together, they offer not only aesthetic power but lasting cultural insight.
