In November, the special exhibition titled “Movies You Want to Watch Again” chosen by the audience will conclude the film series. Under the theme “Rewind, Forward Play,” classic films and independent art films will be paired and screened with related programs. About 470 screenings and over 90 programs have been held across 15 small theaters nationwide, attracting approximately 10,000 participants, establishing these theaters as cultural community spaces.
Small theaters, supported by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and local governments, focus on mid-sized cities without multiplex cinemas. As of 2025, there are a total of 73 small theaters nationwide, positioning them as essential public cultural facilities for local movie enthusiasts.
This year’s “2025 Small Theater Film Series” marks its 12th edition, featuring 108 films with themes like “Rewind, Forward Play.” The series included classic films like “Whale Hunting,” “Christmas in August,” “Cinema Paradiso,” and contemporary independent art films such as “One Spring Night” and “Right Here, Right Now.” Pairing classics with independent films allowed audiences to experience films from diverse perspectives.
The series also offered over 90 programs tailored to local characteristics and audience demographics, creating a rich cultural experience. Programs for children included animation viewings followed by workshops led by film art directors, who guided them in making toys using light and shadow. The “Film Music Date with Suni Kim” for seniors transformed the theater into a concert venue where attendees sang iconic Korean movie songs alongside the trot singer.
Adult programs included discussions and dialogues with directors and screenings of regional agendas or locally produced films. Notably, in August, a screening of “No Mercy for the Rude” took place at the Danyang Small Theater, followed by a discussion with director Lee Myung-se, which attracted a diverse audience, including many first-time visitors to a small theater.
Additionally, barrier-free film screenings and discussions with filmmakers and cast members about disability-related films fostered empathy and a sense of community.
The “2025 Small Theater Film Series” successfully facilitated intergenerational communication through the combination of classic and independent films. By incorporating local cultural characteristics into the programs, the series offered experiences beyond film viewing. These participatory events and related activities highlighted the potential for small theaters to evolve into cultural community hubs.
One operator of a small theater commented on the challenges of relying on mainstream movies due to financial and staffing limitations, emphasizing the need for regular public support for initiatives like this series to enable small theaters to function as cultural hubs for residents.
Jang Eun-kyung, Director of the Korean Visual Media Education Association, which managed the project, noted that the series has cemented small theaters as a vital part of local cultural infrastructure. She encouraged continued interest and support for the series, which will culminate in a “Movies You Want to Watch Again” event in November, closing on a note of cultural celebration and community bonding.