Busan Saha-gu's representative summer festival, the "Dadaepo Sunset Film Festival," will grandly open its doors from August 8th to 10th for three days around Dadaepo Beach. Marking its third year, this festival aims to provide a unique experience where the beautiful Dadaepo sunset harmonizes with cinema, aspiring to achieve both regional economic revitalization and the nurturing of cultural content.

A Film Festival Growing with the Region 

The Saha-gu district and the Sunset Film Festival Organizing Committee recently held a press conference at the Busan City Council, emphasizing that this year's festival will focus on films, directors, and actors associated with Busan. This move is interpreted as an effort to utilize local cultural assets and spotlight Busan-born filmmakers, thereby fostering pride among local residents and increasing their affection for the festival.

Notably, the film 'Aeja' starring the late actress Kim Young-ae will be screened on August 8th as a pre-festival event, and 'C'est Si Bon,' featuring a large cast of Busan-born actors Kang Ha-neul and Jung Woo, has been selected as the closing film, raising anticipation. Busan-born actor Kim Jung-tae has been appointed as a public relations ambassador and will host the opening ceremony, promising a special time for fans. With a large number of prominent Busan actors participating, the film festival is expected to be even richer.

Diverse Programs and a Platform for Citizen Participation 

The Dadaepo Sunset Film Festival goes beyond simply screening films, offering a variety of programs for citizens to directly participate in and enjoy. Until last month, the festival organizing committee held a short film contest with themes such as Busan, Saha, sunset, and the sea. Out of 216 submissions from across the country, 64 meticulously selected films will be screened during the festival. This provides an opportunity to encounter fresh and experimental short films and serves as a valuable platform for independent filmmakers.

In addition to film screenings, various side events such as music performances on the beach and food trucks are prepared to offer visitors unforgettable summer night memories. The special experience of watching films against the backdrop of Dadaepo Beach's beautiful sunset, enjoying culture and art together, is expected to be an attractive option for families, friends, and couples alike.

A Catalyst for Local Economic Revitalization 

Lee Gap-joon, head of Saha-gu district, stated, "We will foster the Sunset Film Festival as a sustainable cultural content that breathes vitality into the stagnant local economy." This film festival, which began in 2022, succeeding the 'Busan Lacksper International Film Festival,' has been well-received for its unique concept of enjoying beach sunsets and films together. Last year, approximately 18,000 visitors attended the festival, contributing to the revitalization of local businesses.

This year, with richer programs and the participation of Busan-born filmmakers, it is expected to attract more visitors and positively impact the local economy. Furthermore, continuous hosting is anticipated to establish the Dadaepo Sunset Film Festival as a representative cultural brand of Busan and play a significant role in attracting domestic and international tourists. The Dadaepo Sunset Film Festival, where beautiful natural scenery meets cinematic art, is ready to offer unforgettable memories to Busan citizens and tourists this summer.