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Organizing a Festival Against All Odds
Hye-soo, portrayed by Kim Jae-hwa, is determined to organize a local cultural festival despite facing numerous obstacles. With ongoing bureaucratic interference, last-minute cancellations, lackluster entertainment, and no audience, the task seems impossible. However, Hye-soo’s start-up is responsible for organizing the festivities, and the failure of the festival could have detrimental effects on her fledgling business. Despite her worries, Hye-soo perseveres, demonstrating her unwavering drive in the face of adversity. This resilience is what drives the plot of the Korean film, Extreme Festival.
An Unlikely Team
To make the festival a success, Hye-soo enlists the help of a one-time author, played by Jo Min-jae, and a writer obsessed with a Japanese rockstar, portrayed by Park Kang-sub. They are later joined by an overly enthusiastic intern, played by Jang Se-rim. However, their efforts to run the festival are constantly sabotaged, both from external forces and internal turmoil. Nevertheless, they continue to persist against all odds. Drawing inspiration from his experiences working at various events, writer-director Kim Hong-ki brings this story to life.
“A Metaphor for Life Itself”
Through the process of making the film, Kim Hong-ki realized that the story of Extreme Festival served as a metaphor for the life of an artist and life itself. The film made its debut at the 2023 New York Asian Festival and marks the director’s first feature film. In the past, Kim Hong-ki’s short films have showcased his affinity for black comedy. Extreme Festival continues this trend by offering a darkly funny yet lighthearted commentary on how bureaucracy can hinder rather than help.
A Fun and Challenging Project
Kim Jae-hwa, known for her appearances in popular films and TV dramas, including Kill Boksoon and Honest Candidate 2, chose to join the cast of Extreme Festival. Having previously worked with Kim Hong-ki on one of his short films, Kim Jae-hwa trusted the director’s vision and found the script to be exciting and enjoyable. Her character, Hye-soo, attempts to ensure the festival’s success, supporting a budding emcee and motivating actors involved in historical reenactments. The film explores comedic situations and offbeat ideas, such as the controversial concept of “experiencing torture” in a historical setting.
Overcoming Challenges on Set
The filming of Extreme Festival faced challenges from both tight schedules and inclement weather. Despite the limited budget and time constraints associated with an independent film, the cast and crew collaborated joyfully. Additionally, a crucial scene almost didn’t happen due to heavy rainfall. In a race against time, the team managed to shoot the pivotal scene within a narrow window of opportunity. This experience paralleled the film’s theme of perseverance and the idea that “the show must go on.”
Conclusion
Extreme Festival sheds light on the struggles faced in organizing a local cultural festival. With humor and heart, the film explores the determination of its characters in the face of bureaucratic interference and unexpected setbacks. Its commentary on the challenges artists and individuals encounter in life resonates throughout the story. As a debut feature film for director Kim Hong-ki, Extreme Festival showcases his knack for dark comedy and his ability to craft an entertaining and thought-provoking narrative.
