The former Jangheung Prison, once a detention facility, has been transformed into a unique cultural space for enjoying films on autumn nights, attracting a large audience.
According to Jangheung County, over 2,000 visitors participated in the pre-event for the 'Namdo Film Festival Season 3, Jangheung,' held at the cultural arts space 'Papillon zip' from October 16 to 17.
This event was organized to showcase the festival's direction and local cultural resources ahead of the main Namdo Film Festival scheduled for 2027 in Jangheung.
Notably, the event combined the historical significance of the prison with cultural and artistic content, offering a distinct viewing experience compared to traditional film festivals.
An outdoor screening area was set up in the former prison yard, transforming a space that once housed inmates into a cultural venue where audiences could freely enjoy films.
On the first day, musical actress Jeong Young-joo opened the event with a performance, signaling the start of the festival.
Following her, actress Yeom Hye-ran engaged with the audience during a meet-and-greet, enhancing the atmosphere of the festival with direct interaction.
A highlight of the pre-event was the outdoor film screening held in the former prison yard.
Attendees enjoyed films under the open sky, experiencing the charm of an autumn night.
One attendee remarked, "Watching a movie in the spacious yard allowed me to fully appreciate the beauty of the autumn night; it was truly a special experience."
This event also demonstrated the potential for utilizing Jangheung's idle facilities as cultural tourism resources.
By integrating film and performances in the unique setting of the former prison, the event showcased a new way to repurpose historical sites into cultural spaces.
Jangheung County plans to use the insights gained from this pre-event to prepare for next year's main festival program and viewing environment.
Jangheung County Mayor Sa Sun-moon stated, "This pre-event was a meaningful occasion where film met the charming spaces of Jangheung, creating special autumn memories for the audience. We will do our best to ensure that the main Namdo Film Festival in 2027 becomes a celebration that widely promotes Jangheung's cultural appeal and local stories."
Meanwhile, the main event of the 'Namdo Film Festival Season 3, Jangheung' is scheduled for 2027. Jangheung County aims to prepare a film festival that reflects the region's cultural characteristics based on the audience participation and operational experience gained from this pre-event.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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