San Francisco Film Society Presents a Special Benefit Screening of Lee Chang-Dong’s Secret Sunshine, Korea’s Oscar Submission, Cannes Prizewinner, with Director in Person

Wednesday, January 9, 7:00 pM at the Premier Theater, Letterman Digital Arts Center in the Presidio

November 30, 2007

San Francisco, CA - The San Francisco Film Society will present a benefit premiere of Lee Chang-Dong’s new film Secret Sunshine, with an in-person appearance by the acclaimed Korean director at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, January 9 in the Premier Theater at the Letterman Digital Arts Center in the Presidio of San Francisco.

South Korea’s submission for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, Secret Sunshine is that rare movie that possesses the richness and complexity of a great novel, revealing new layers as it unfolds. A recent widow (Jeon Do-Yeon) and her young son adjust to life in a small country town after relocating from Seoul. Then, abruptly and without warning, the film shifts into thriller territory, only to end as a devastating study in human suffering (albeit one with dark comic overtones). Lee Chang-Dong (Peppermint Candy, Green Fish), whose previous work is familiar to San Francisco International Film Festival audiences, navigates his switchblade reversals of comedy and despair, darkness and light with a master’s grace, as does Jeon in a revelatory performance for which she won the Best Actress prize at this year’s Cannes Film Festival. Secret Sunshine had its U.S. premiere at the New York Film Festival and will open in select cities nationwide in 2008. Print courtesy CJ Entertainment.

Following the screening, there will be a Q&A with director Lee.

Tickets on sale now at 925.866.9559 or sffs.org—SFFS members $9; students, seniors and persons with disabilities $10; general public $11. 

Proceeds will benefit the Film Society’s programs including the San Francisco International Film Festival, year-round exhibition of world cinema, SF360 initiatives and the Schools at the Festival/Education Program.

The San Francisco Film Society, presenter of the 51st San Francisco International Film Festival (April 24–May 8, 2008), is a nonprofit arts and educational organization dedicated to celebrating film and the moving image.