The Korean Cultural Center in Brazil has announced an exciting cultural event featuring emerging Korean filmmaker Woo Joo Hyun, scheduled for Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at 7 p.m. at the Center's location on Avenida Paulista in São Paulo. The evening will showcase two of the director's compelling short films, offering Brazilian audiences a unique opportunity to engage with contemporary Korean cinema.
The centerpiece of the program will be a screening of Woo's latest work, "Don't Wanna Die" (2024), a thought-provoking 15-minute film that has garnered international recognition. The film tells the unusual story of five individuals who respond to an online post about collective suicide, only to awaken with a renewed desire to live after taking pills provided by a character named Yun-ji. They find themselves in a forest armed with weapons made of vegetables, engaging in a battle to determine the last survivor. This sensitive and authentic exploration of contemporary themes earned official selection for the prestigious 36th São Paulo International Short Film Festival.
The evening will also feature a screening of "Father Libre" (2023), Woo's previous work that has made significant rounds on the international festival circuit. The 9-minute film explores themes of identity and family relationships through the story of Jae-yong, who secretly enjoys dressing as a woman during his days off, until his daughter Hae-bin unexpectedly discovers him wearing women's clothing. The film has been showcased at numerous festivals across Korea and Europe, including events specifically dedicated to diversity and LGBTQ+ themes.
Woo Joo Hyun brings a unique background to filmmaking, having initially studied Physical Education at Yonsei University before pursuing her passion for cinema at the Korea National University of Arts (K-Arts), where she is currently completing her film degree. Her directorial debut "Father Libre" opened the Seoul Yeongdeungpo International Film Festival and subsequently screened at prestigious venues including the Brussels Short Film Festival, Seoul International Senior Film Festival, Korean Queer Film Festival, and Seoul Pride Film Festival.
Following both screenings, attendees will have the rare opportunity to participate in an intimate conversation with Director Woo Joo Hyun herself. The discussion will delve into her creative process, artistic inspirations, and personal reflections on her works, providing valuable insights into the mind of one of Korea's promising new voices in cinema.
The event requires advance registration through Google Forms, with applications being accepted from August 21-25, 2025. Interested participants can register using the provided link at https://forms.gle/advBSfpX8poCUo4w6. Upon completing the registration form, applicants will receive an automatic email copy of their submission, though this does not guarantee participation in the event.
Due to limited venue capacity, only 35 participants will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis through the online registration system. The event is open to individuals aged 16 and older, and admission is completely free, though registration is mandatory. The Korean Cultural Center will send individual email confirmations to selected participants no later than August 25, 2025. Those who do not receive confirmation emails by this date will automatically be placed on a waiting list for potential last-minute openings.
This special evening represents more than just a film screening; it serves as a bridge for cultural exchange between Korea and Brazil, introducing Brazilian audiences to fresh perspectives in Korean cinema. For additional information or inquiries about the event, interested parties can contact the Korean Cultural Center at dongkccbrazil.com.br. The Center is conveniently located at Avenida Paulista, 460, in the Bela Vista neighborhood of São Paulo.
