Film student wins top prize at annual smartphone film fest

A film school student won the top prize at the third Olleh International Smartphone Film Festival on Sunday for his smartphone-made short “After 24 Months.”

Kim Chan-nyeon, who is currently on leave of absence from Dongguk University’s film program, won the competition by creating a work that features a dystopian world where everyone communicates through smart devices. His protagonist is the only human being in the world who tries to make human-to-human eye contact. 

The 24-year-old also won the audience award, which is given to the film that received the most votes from ordinary viewers. 

“I wanted to deal with the communication issues in the contemporary world,” Kim said during his acceptance speech. “I spent less than 50,000 won to create this film. I hope my case can inspire those who want to get into filmmaking but think they don’t have the money or the resources.”

Celebrating its third edition this year, the Olleh International Smartphone Film Festival received more than 700 entries, all made using smartphones, from Korea and abroad. A total of 25 works were selected for screening during the festival. Famed director Bong Joon-ho served as the jury president this year.

By Claire Lee (dyc@heraldcorp.com)