MOVIE│Invite 5 groups of 10 people to a Japan premiere screening! "Family of Strangers," depicting a family tossed about by two close yet distant countries.

MOVIE│Win a Spot for 5 Pairs (10 People) at the Japan Premiere Screening!

Kazoku no Kuni: A Family Torn Between Two Nations, Near Yet Far

Director Yang Yong-hi’s "Kazoku no Kuni" won the C.I.C.A. (Confederation of International Art Cinemas) Award in the Forum section at this year's Berlin International Film Festival. Ahead of its Japanese release on August 4th (Saturday), a Japan premiere screening will be held on July 12th (Thursday), featuring a talk event with the director and cast. OPENERS is offering invitations to 5 pairs (10 people).

Text by YANAKA Tomomi

Yang Yong-hi's First Fiction Film, Based on Personal Experience

This is the third film from director Yang Yong-hi, following the critically acclaimed documentary features "Dear Pyongyang" and "Sona the Story of a Mother and Daughter." "Kazoku no Kuni" is her first fiction film, written as an original screenplay based on her own experiences.

Rie, his younger sister, eagerly awaits the return of her older brother, Sunho, from North Korea. He had emigrated to North Korea, touted as "paradise on earth" during the repatriation program of the 1970s. His return after 25 years is only permitted for three months, for medical treatment. Although the reunion after so long is tinged with a subtle tension, Sunho's friends, who once shared the same spaces and youth, are also waiting for him.

While celebrating their miraculous reunion, Sunho undergoes medical examinations. However, the attending physician states they cannot responsibly treat him within the three-month period. Their father attempts to apply for an extension of his stay, and Rie rushes to find another doctor. Just then, Sunho receives a call from North Korea: "Return tomorrow."—.

Sakura Ando delivers a compelling performance as Rie, the protagonist. Arata Iura portrays the other lead, Sunho, with cool composure.

A brother living in a society with no choices, and a sister who has lived freely since birth. Through the lens of family, the film explores what each carries, the differences in ideology and values, and the passage of time. While a family drama, it is an ambitious work that successfully depicts political and social issues, as well as contemporary concerns.

We are inviting 5 pairs (10 people) to the Japan Premiere Screening
Date: July 12th (Thursday)
Time: Doors open 7:00 PM, Screening starts 7:30 PM
Venue: Space FS Shiodome Hall
3F, Shiodome FS Building, 1-1-16 Higashi-Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
If you wish to attend, please apply via the form below.

Applications are now closed.
Thank you for your many applications.

Winners will be notified via email. Winners must reply to the email, keeping the subject line intact and including all necessary information. Please note that failure to reply by the deadline will result in disqualification.

"Kazoku no Kuni"
Opening August 4th (Saturday) at Theatre Shinjuku, 109 Cinemas Kawasaki, and other cinemas nationwide.
Director: Yang Yong-hi
Starring: Sakura Ando, Arata Iura, Yang Ik-june
2012 / Japan / 100 minutes
http://www.kazokunokuni.com/