The Opening Gala of the fifth London Korean Film Festival has been declared a resounding success with many celebrities, filmmakers and diplomats attending. The Man From Nowhere directed by Lee Jeong-beom closed with a standing ovation from the likes of Jonathan Ross, Simon Field (producer of Uncle Boonmee), Tony Rayns (film critic), the ambassador of South Korea and film fans alike.

The proceedings kicked off in classic film premier style with The Man From Nowhere receiving the first ever East Asian film red carpet treatment in UK. The eager Jonathan Ross was the first to arrive, being snapped by many photographers and paparazzi, even taking time to talk to Korean film news channel, YTN. He had his picture taken with the Festival Director, Hye-jung Jeon and the Executive Chief of the festival, Yonggi Won. He was soon followed by the waves of audience members flocking to the festival.
Once the event got under way and everyone had been seated, the audience received greetings from the other side of the world, from many of the top filmmakers and actors in Korean cinema including Jang Dong-gun (Brotherhood), Jeon Do-yeon (Housemaid), Lee Beung-hyun (Bittersweet Life, I Saw the Devil) and many others.

This was followed by a quick introduction by Tony Rayns, who introduced the Producer and Director behind the film and thanked the audience for their support for Korean cinema. Afterwards, with rice cakes in their hands, the audience sat wide-eyed in front of the silver screen waiting for the entertainment to begin.
With a thundering of applause, the film stage was graced by Tony Rayns and Lee Jeong-beom for an in-depth yet comedic Q&A after the screening. They discussed the filmmaker’s background, the Korean film industry, the casting of Won Bin, and the astronomical success of The Man From Nowhere, which became the highest grossing Korean film of the year despite being the director’s second feature,

With the red carpet all rolled up, members of the press and VIP enjoyed a scenic and lively reception in the Penthouse of the Edwardian Radisson Hotel that overlooked all of London as the 5th of November fireworks sparkled the sky. A perfect end to a perfect night.

Keep updated with the festival on the website http://www.koreanfilm.co.uk/

Tania Martins
http://www.fest21.com/en/blog/tania_martins