EBS's documentary festival introduces new, emotionally charged category for 21st edition

The EBS International Documentary Festival (EIDF) aims to lower barriers and expand accessibility to documentaries in its 21st edition this year.

A still from film ″A French Youth,″ which will be screened as the opening film for the 21st EBS Documentary Festival [EIDF 2024]

The EBS International Documentary Festival (EIDF) aims to lower barriers and expand accessibility to documentaries in its 21st edition this year. By introducing more approachable films with artistic value and enhancing its support programs, the festival seeks to engage a broader audience.

"By focusing on documentaries that are both enjoyable and artistically significant, we hope to make the genre more accessible," said Kim Dong-kwan, executive director of EIDF 2024, at a press conference in Mapo District, western Seoul, on Tuesday.

Established in 2004, EIDF is an annual event hosted by the state-run public broadcaster EBS and sponsored by the city of Goyang in Gyeonggi. The festival, running from Aug. 19 to 25, started with the mission to popularize documentaries by showcasing diverse films from around the globe.

The slogan for EIDF 2024, “Bridge the Times,” reflects its mission to use documentaries as a means to foster understanding and respect among people of different cultures and values. "People often judge others based on their differences," said Kim. "It is crucial to view the world with understanding rather than prejudice."

Kim Dong-kwan, the executive director of the EBS International Documentary Festival 2024, speaks during a press conference for the upcoming festival in Mapo District, western Seoul, on Tuesday. [EIDF 2024]

Hyoung Gunny, the artistic director of EBS International Documentary Festival 2024, speaks during a press conference for the upcoming festival in Mapo District, western Seoul, on Tuesday. [EIDF 2024]

This year, EIDF received over 400 submissions from 72 countries, selecting 53 films from 32 countries for screening across seven sections: Festival Choice (Competition), Shorts Letters, A Link to Memories, Portraits of Artists, Human & Nature, Issues Here and There and Encore Documentary.

"Through these films, we aim to illuminate the current times and provide a platform for discussing the future and coexistence," said Kim Gwang-ho, the EIDF 2024 festival director.

A notable new section this year, Human & Nature, features films that evoke deep emotional responses, recommended by Kim Dong-kwan for viewing on a big screen.

The festival will open with the Canadian and French film “A French Youth,” directed by Jérémie Battaglia. The film, which will premiere at the EBS Digital Headquarters in Goyang, tells the story of two North African immigrants in France participating in a traditional Camargue race.

Kim Gwang-ho, the festival director of EBS International Documentary Festival 2024, speaks during a press conference for the upcoming festival in Mapo District, western Seoul, on Tuesday. [EIDF 2024]

In addition to regular screenings, the festival will host outdoor screenings at the Ilsan Lake Park in Goyang, as well as a one-day nature class led by a guide. The nature class, scheduled for Aug. 24, requires prior reservations. Talk events will also be held at Megabox Ilsan Bell Citta.

Executive director Kim also recommended several notable films, including "...Ned, Tassot, Yossot..." (2023) by Brigitte Weich, “Mrs. Iran’s Husband” (2023) by Marjan Khosravi and “Songs of Earth” (2023) by Margreth Olin. He highlighted “...Ned, Tassot, Yossot...” as a rare non-political documentary about retired North Korean female football players.

A poster for the upcoming EBS International Documentary Festival [EIDF 2024]

EIDF stands out as the only festival globally to feature simultaneous TV broadcasts and theater screenings. Selected films will be shown on EBS 1TV from Aug. 19 to 25, with theater screenings from Sept. 22 to 25 at Megabox Ilsan Bell Citta and Cinecube Gwanghwamun. For those without access to TVs or theaters, the D-Box streaming platform will allow viewers to watch films anytime, anywhere.

Running alongside EIDF 2024, the K-Docs platform event will hold its third edition from Aug. 20 to 23 at the Seoul Museum of Craft Art. Organized by the Ministry of Science and ICT, K-Docs supports documentary production through pitching opportunities and business networking.

"I believe this industry will define the future vision of EIDF," said Hyoung Gunny, artistic director of the festival. K-Docs will feature four pitch programs and side events, including an awards ceremony.

As EIDF marks its 21st year, the committee hopes the festival will inspire reflection and understanding through the powerful medium of documentary film. "EIDF offers a chance to reflect on reality and reaffirm the importance of understanding and tolerance," said Kim Gwang-ho.

BY KIM JI-YE [kim.jiye@joongang.co.kr]