The Korean Film Archive (KFA) is a national organization dedicated to preserving, restoring, and promoting the cinematic heritage of South Korea. Established in 1974, the KFA is one of the oldest film archives in Asia and has played a crucial role in safeguarding the country’s film history.
The KFA’s main mission is to collect, preserve, and provide access to South Korean films, both past and present. The organization has a vast collection of over 20,000 films, including feature films, documentaries, animation, and experimental films. The collection spans the entire history of Korean cinema, from the silent era to the present day.
One of the KFA’s main functions is to restore and preserve the films in its collection. The organization has state-of-the-art facilities for film preservation, including a film laboratory for film preservation and restoration. The KFA also works with other film archives and institutions around the world to share knowledge and expertise in film preservation.
The KFA also plays an important role in promoting Korean cinema both domestically and internationally. The organization regularly organizes screenings, retrospectives, and festivals to showcase the country’s film heritage. The KFA also actively participates in international film festivals and collaborates with other film archives to bring Korean films to audiences around the world.
In addition to its preservation and promotion efforts, the KFA also conducts research and education on Korean cinema. The organization has a research department that publishes books and articles on Korean film history and has a library and archive room for researchers and scholars. The KFA also offers film education programs for students, educators, and the general public.
One of the most notable achievements of the KFA is the establishment of the Korean Film Museum
The Korean Film Archive (KOFIC) is a government-funded organization in South Korea dedicated to preserving and promoting the country’s cinematic heritage. Founded in 1974, the organization has played a crucial role in preserving and restoring thousands of films, making them accessible to audiences both in South Korea and around the world.
One of the key functions of KOFIC is the preservation and restoration of Korean films. This includes not only the physical preservation of film prints and negatives, but also the digital preservation of films. The organization has a state-of-the-art film restoration lab that is equipped with the latest technology for film preservation, including equipment for cleaning and repairing film prints, digitizing film, and creating new film prints. The lab is also responsible for creating digital masters of Korean films, which are then used for distribution and exhibition both in South Korea and internationally.
In addition to preserving and restoring films, KOFIC also promotes Korean cinema to audiences around the world. This includes organizing international film festivals and retrospectives, as well as collaborating with other film archives and film organizations to showcase Korean films. One of the most notable examples of this is the annual Korean Film Festival in London, which is organized by KOFIC and showcases a selection of the latest and greatest Korean films to audiences in the United Kingdom. The organization also participates in various international film festivals such as Cannes, Venice, and Berlin to promote Korean films.
Another important function of KOFIC is its role in supporting the Korean film industry. This includes providing funding and support for the production and distribution of Korean films, as well as offering training and education programs for emerging filmmakers. The organization also provides resources and support for the distribution and exhibition of Korean films, both domestically