Overview

In our increasingly interdependent global society, the language of film offers one of most direct ways in which peoples of different cultures can come to know one another, both in their differences and similarities.

Thus the growing popularity of international cinema is no surprise. Audiences worldwide hunger for the visual and visceral experience of other cultures that-short of the experience of travel itself-only film can provide.

Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film and Media Arts is pleased to partner with the Pusan International Film Festival (considered by many to be the “Cannes” of Asia) to present PUSAN WEST. Over the course of three days, November 20-22, 2009, Dodge College will host a showcase of contemporary and classic films selected primarily from the Pusan International Film Festival by Dodge College Professor Nam Lee, an expert in Korean film, and a Korean film critic and the Director of Cinematheque Film Forum Mr. Lim Jae-cheol.

Striving to be the “hub” of cinematic education and exploration in Southern California, this is just one of many steps for Dodge College to bring one-of-a-kind opportunities to students and other film enthusiasts in the area. By celebrating the cinematic accomplishments of the vibrant and emerging Korean cinema, we hope to contribute to the growth of international understanding among nations.

We hope you will join us for this exciting inaugural year of the PUSAN WEST showcase.