“K-occult: faith, terror, and uncertainty.” “Lament” by Hong-jin Na | KinoKorea

Lower Silesian Film Centre, Lalka hall

In a small, sleepy Geokseong, strange things begin to happen that no one can rationally explain. When the village is shaken by gruesome murders and a strange disease occurs, rumors of ghosts and demons begin to circulate, and everyone's gaze turns to a stranger (Jun Kunimura) who has recently appeared in the area. Police officer Jong-goo (Kwak Do-won), however, seeks a rational explanation. He quickly discovers that he must choose whom — and what — he is willing to believe.

“Lament” Na Hong-jin, creator of “W Chogoni” and “Welcome to Hope” (the second title will be released in Polish cinemas this autumn), is a combination of crime, horror and dark thriller that does not allow you to catch a break despite its two and a half hours long. The viewer, together with the main character Jong-goo, is suspended between reality and the supernatural, and step by step tries to figure out what is true and what is superstition.

It is a symbol-dense cinema that is not afraid to draw handfuls from the most diverse traditions and motifs: from Korean shamanism and Christianity, through curses and demons, to zombies and ghosts. It is a story about doubt, fear and the human need to find a simple explanation for evil. It disturbs us with ambiguity and makes us ask ourselves: can good and evil always be distinguished at first glance?

The lecture entitled “K-occult: faith, horror and uncertainty” will be led by Marta Nieska — Korean writer, educator, literary translator and admirer of Korean cinema. After the session, we invite you to discuss.

The event is part of cooperation with the Lower Silesian Film Centre in Wrocław.