Independent Films to Get Extended Theater Runs Through 'Slow Cinema' Movement

Filmmakers and industry representatives have launched the 'Slow Cinema' movement, aiming to give audiences the right to choose when and where they watch independent and art-house films. The initiative seeks to counter the trend of limited theatrical runs for such movies, often disappearing from screens within weeks.

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Independent films are typically screened only once a day in about 40 to 50 screens, making it difficult for audiences to meet them.

The movement's immediate goal is to ensure three critically acclaimed films, '1980 Sabuk,' 'The Words Carried by the Wind,' and 'Third Grade, Second Semester', remain available in cinemas until the end of 2024. This effort challenges the conventional exhibition model where independent films typically screen in a limited number of theaters for short periods, making them inaccessible to many viewers.

Choi Nak-yong, head of the Korea Art Cinema Association, pointed out that while independent and art films constitute 18% of domestic releases, they occupy only 2% of screens in art cinemas. This scarcity makes it difficult for these films to find their audience. The 'Slow Cinema' movement aims to reverse this by fostering a culture of long-term exhibition and audience engagement.

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Audiences who watched the movie started renting out theaters to watch it again with friends, and that movement has continued until now.

Filmmakers involved expressed their hopes for the movement. Yang Hee, director of 'The Words Carried by the Wind,' noted how audience members have organized private screenings, demonstrating a strong desire to rewatch films. Park Bong-nam of '1980 Sabuk' emphasized the film's importance for public discourse and community healing, finding renewed energy through the 'Slow Cinema' initiative after their own prolonged screening efforts. Lee Ran-hee, director of 'Third Grade, Second Semester,' hopes the film sparks conversations about career paths among young students.

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It was an essential film for creating public discourse and for the recovery of the local community to watch it together in theaters. We were exhausted from our own long-term screening efforts under the name 'Late Echo,' but we decided to regain strength after receiving the 'Slow Cinema' proposal.

Baek Jae-ho, chairman of the Korean Independent Film Association, articulated the movement's core philosophy: "Until I meet you, until you watch." This slogan signifies a shift from audiences being passively led by theater choices to actively participating in creating exhibition spaces. The organizers hope 'Slow Cinema' will serve as a catalyst for other independent films to connect with a broader audience and establish a new framework for audience engagement.

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The slogan 'Until I meet you, until you watch' is a new attempt for audiences and creators to actively create exhibition spaces, rather than being passively led by the theater's unilateral choices.