Chingusai Gay Culture School, Cohort 3: <GayBongBakDoo 3> Ready

 

 

The thirteen-session course of the Gay Culture School, titled Cohort 3: My First Film Made with a Phone, which began last March, has now come to an end. The films produced through this program will be presented to audiences under the name <GayBongBakDoo 3>. Let us look back at the eventful production process that led to their completion, and take a preview of the films created this year.

 

Launched in 2012, the short film production workshop Gay Culture School, My First Film Made with a Phone, marks its third edition this year. Unlike the first and second editions, which moved directly into short film production from the outset, this year’s program was divided into a beginner track and an advanced track. In the four-session beginner track, eight participants produced a variety of videos using only smartphones, exploring the characteristics of smart-movie production. In the final session, a small screening was held at Chingusai’s Sajungjeon space, where participants screened the documentaries they had created over the four sessions. Among the eight films produced, director Han Ho-seung’s <Ah! So Sweet> and director Lee Seung-jun’s <My Home> were later screened at the 14th Korea Queer Film Festival.

 

There were many strong works among those that were not screened at festivals as well. Some of the beginner-track films were not submitted at all, as they had not been produced with public release in mind from the outset. This was unfortunate, but the choice to keep these documentaries private functioned as a way to allow for more candid storytelling. That said, these works may still be shared through small screenings for Chingusai members. Those interested are encouraged to consult with the secretariat and even plan their own “smartphone documentary” screenings.

 

The advanced track, designed as a ten-session course, included seven of the eight participants from the beginner track. With only the final public screening remaining, all other stages have now been completed. From developing ideas and writing scripts to creating storyboards, filming, and editing, participants carried out the full production process. After an internal screening and midterm review held on July 15, they are currently completing final edits in preparation for the public screening. Notably, unlike in previous years, participants moved beyond smartphones and used equipment of their own choosing, including DSLR cameras and video cameras. Those who attend <GayBongBakDoo> screenings each year will be able to notice this difference.

 

Many people contributed greatly to this process. Director So Jun-moon, who has attended internal screenings every year to offer advice, joined the workshop this year for the first time as a mentor. Director Lee Hyuk-sang continued his support as a mentor for the third consecutive year, and director Kim Jo -Gwang su served as head mentor. Under their guidance, the films were steadily prepared. Director Son Tae-gyeom also attended the internal screening and offered valuable feedback. We take this opportunity to once again express our sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed their support.

 

Perhaps thanks to this extensive guidance, this year saw more external screenings than ever before. To name a few: director Kimchi-up’s <Billy> from the second cohort was officially invited to the 29th Torino GLBT Film Festival in 2014, marking the first overseas screening in the history of <GayBongBakDoo>. At the 2014 Seoul LGBT Film Festival, four films were screened: director Byun Cheon’s <T.N.T>, director Murfly’s <A Society That Encourages Kissing>, director Kimchi-up’s <Billy>, and director Kim Hyun’s <Little Finger>. At the 14th Korea Queer Film Festival, screenings included the beginner-track films <My Home> and <Ah! So Sweet>, as well as director Byun Cheon’s <Secret> and director Lee Seung-hwa’s <The Wiretap Inside My Heart>. These screening announcements include works from the first and second cohorts, as well as the third cohort’s beginner track. High expectations surround the advanced-track films being produced this year.

 

▲ A scene from <Ah! So Refreshing> by director Han Ho-seung

 

Seven films will be screened this year. First, director Han Ho-seung’s <Ah! So Refreshing> depicts a protagonist who becomes obsessively attached to a close younger gay friend. When the younger friend—who does not reciprocate his feelings—suggests calling for a massage and spending time together, the protagonist finds himself torn by inner conflict. The film calmly portrays obsession disguised as love. Familiar faces also appear, including Kwon Gi-ha, who previously appeared in <While You Were Sleeping> and <Little Finger>, and Lee Sung-jun, who played the father in <The Wiretap Inside My Heart>.

 

 

▲ A scene from <Can I Stay> by director Lee Seung-jun

 

Director Lee Seung-jun’s <Can I Stay> portrays, through restrained visual language, a protagonist caught between desire and fear when a young man arrives at his home late at night.

 

▲ A scene from <Summer Night> by director Park Sang-eon

 

Director Park Sang-eon’s <Summer Night> unfolds on the terrace of a bar tucked into an alley off a street lined with gay venues. A middle-aged woman and several young men in their mid-twenties drink together, prompting curiosity about the nature of their relationship. As the film progresses, that relationship is gradually revealed.

 

 

▲ A scene from <Word Chain> by director Na Geon-nyeong

 

Director Na Geon-nyeong’s <Word Chain> portrays a couple waiting for the last bus at a bus stop, passing the time by playing a word-chain game. The protagonist’s tender efforts to soothe his irritated partner and bring him home give the scene an affectionate tone. Will their word chain be able to continue?

 

 

▲ A scene from <GREEN LIGHT> by director Gong Do-yeon

 

Sehun and Baekhyun, a young couple, enjoy going on dates together. When Baekhyun expresses a desire for sexual intimacy, Sehun repeatedly resists and eventually agrees—reluctantly—to do so on their 100th day. Director Gong Do-yeon’s <GREEN LIGHT>, which depicts a story of young students in love, stands out for its witty narrative structure and concludes with a slightly absurd ending that elicits a quiet smile.

 

▲ A scene from <Adonis Flower Boy Fortune-Telling Shop> by director Kang Woo

 

A fortune-telling shop suddenly appears in the neighborhood, calling itself the “Adonis Flower Boy Fortune-Telling Shop.” Defying all expectations, word spreads quickly and the business thrives. Proud and strong-willed Young-soon scoffs at the rumors but eventually finds herself visiting the shop. Let us listen to the fortune of happiness pursued by Adonis in director Kang Woo’s <Adonis Flower Boy Fortune-Telling Shop>.

 

 

▲ A scene from <Turkish Sky> by director Kim Gay

 

Director Kim Gay’s <Turkish Sky> quietly observes the conversation between two men who reunite at a shabby bar after two years. Sang-min, who married a woman as part of a sham relationship, reveals that his wife is pregnant and says he will stay for just one beer before leaving.

With such a diverse lineup prepared this year, audiences have much to look forward to. Do note, however, that <GayBongBakDoo> is not something you can watch at any time you wish, so be sure not to miss the screening announcements. The screening of <GayBongBakDoo 3> is scheduled for early September.

 

 

<GayBongBakDoo> Film Instructor / Choi Young-jun (최영준)