The Ajou Globe (The AG) asked readers to name well-known and memorable movies. Were any short films among them? For almost all students who responded, that answer was no. Why did students not name short films? They can easily and comfortably go to the theater and see a movie, but short films cannot be seen in theaters, because short films have no commercial purpose. If you have never watched a short film, you might think short films are not funny and lack the quality of a movie from the viewpoint of cinematic composition. However, this is untrue. Short films have good points even though they last only a short time.
One benefit of short films is that their running time is brief, which decreases pressure for audiences. A normal movie runs for two hours, but viewers of short films could enjoy many films during the same amount of time. Short films last less than one hour. The shortest lasts one minute. Thus, the message of short films is given by implication. This is the charm of a short film. However, short films are more difficult to access than commercial movies, because short movies are shown on fewer screens. Also, information about short films is hard to find, and people may not know when or where short films are showing. A typical short film usually can be found on YouTube (a video Web site). Short films that have received awards also can be enjoyed through iTunes.
The AG recommends the following short Korean films.
1. “How to Operate a Polaroid Camera”
When you first watch a short film, you should think of it as a good movie as much as you would a commercial movie. This movie is about a woman who borrows and learns how to operate a Polaroid camera from her superior. It portrays the heart-pounding tension of first love on the screen. The woman stammers in front of her superior and cannot remember how to operate the Polaroid camera. Two feelings exist in this short film. The audience remains involved with these feelings through the woman’s expressions and the memory of first love.
2. “I Am Joongsik”
This film will give the audience a refreshing jolt. It is a documentary, but it consists of unique scenes. Even the film’s format is different than that of a typical documentary. The general story is about the question of personal identity. Joongsik is a 30-year-old construction worker who makes a song. The movie expresses his worries and the conflict between reality and his dream. However, finally, he realizes his identity. He lends his own technique and color to the film. Thus, the film is fun and shows his uniqueness. Sometimes, short films are beautiful and innovative.
3. “KIMCHI”
This movie is the shortest of the three. It is about an old man properly dressed in front of a mirror. He takes a picture. Then he says “kimchi” and takes a picture a few more times. The atmosphere is cold and lonely. This movie is shown as if the old man is preparing for his last day in Korea. The running time is very short, but the movie shows the problems of an aging society. The audience will deeply recognize Korea’s problem. This movie has charm in that it communicates a powerful message.
These three films will give a taste of what short film is. The AG suggests students who are interested in short films watch these three. Short films resemble a typical movie but have a shorter run time. However, short films use beautiful scenes, feature social problems, and have plenty of emotion. Short films are not lacking as movies, but most people are not interested in them. Short films deserve greater interest. Korea’s movie industry is growing faster than the current movie-industry scale. Though short film, cinematic quality will be judged. Thus, a long film can have higher-quality production, and Korea will be able to make great movies for the world.