"Parasite," "Beasts Clawing At Straws," And "Moving On" Win At 49th International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR)

Three South Korean films took home awards at the 49th International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR).

On January 31, the annual film festival recognized the best talent in filmmaking in 2019.

Director Bong Joon Ho’s black-and-white version of “Parasite” won the IFRR audience award (also known as the BankGiro Loterij Audience Award). The director was unable to attend because of an ongoing campaign for the Oscars, as the film currently has six nominations for the 92nd Academy Awards. This black-and-white version of “Parasite” will premiere in theaters at the end of February.

Director Kim Yong Hoon’s crime thriller “Beasts Clawing At Straws” won IFRR’s Tiger Competition special jury award. Starring Jung Woo Sung and Jeon Do Yeon, the film tells the story of a chase that ensues when a big bag of money appears in front of desperate people. The jury praised the film’s structure, script, acting, and directing, as well as its portrayal of the inequality of classes in today’s society.

Accepting his award, director Kim Yong Hoon said, “Rotterdam introduced me to many firsts. I met my first audience at my first film festival and received my first award. Thank you to IFFR for turning my firsts into beautiful moments. I love Rotterdam forever!” “Beasts Clawing At Straws” premieres on February 12 in Korean theaters.

“Moving On” is a film about a teenager named Ok Joo who lives with her father, younger brother, and aunt at her grandfather’s house due to her family’s financial circumstances. The film details the everyday ups and downs of three generations living together under one roof.

Receiving the Bright Future prize, director Yoon Dan Bi said, “I had no idea what kind of life I’d be living while filming this movie. When the film was invited to Rotterdam, I began thinking that the film was living its own life and that my job was to help this film live a good life. I hope that the actors, staff, and moviegoers will help so that this film can live well.” She emotionally added, “I love you Rotterdam!” and some members of the audience replied, “We love you too.”

The jury noted the way the film brought out the richness of human relationships within a family, and the IFFR website likened the talented rookie director to famed Japanese director Koreeda Hirokazu. Cast members Choi Jung Woon, Yang Hong Joo, Park Hyun Young, Park Seung Joon, and Kim Sang Dong also attended the festival.

Congratulations to all of the winners!

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