Do you often go to theatres? Do you get satisfaction from movies? Hollywood movies are flowing over the brim in theatres. Do you hope to see a different kind of movie? If you do, I would recommend visiting Dongsung Art Hall. I frequently see these scenes in other theatres: people eating popcorns, waiting for the next movie and crowded box-offices. I don't see these typical scenes in Dongsung. Sometimes there are just ten of us in the theatre. I feel the hall is just for me.

Dongsung Art Hall is the only cinema in Daegu that shows only art movies. It also belongs to Art Plus Cinema, the associated theatres' network for showing and protecting artistic independent films. The hall changed to an art theatre in 2005. The hall originally showed and released full-length movies. The hall is becoming an oasis for those who love independent movies. These days, we rarely have a chance to see artistic or independent movies in general theatres. Theatres tend to choose only movies that have a possibility of being a big hit. Although filmmakers work hard to make good movies, there aren't enough cinemas to release independent movies. That is why we need theatres like Dongsung.

The sixth Daegu Independent Short Film Festival was held in Dongsung Art Hall from September 28 to October 2 under the slogan of "Independent Movies Fly over the Edge." To draw public attention the participating movies were shown in Gukchaebosang Memorial Park in September 28. The festival's prize-winning movies from the last five years were shown on-line for free for a month from October 24 on Naver's website. The best movies of the sixth festival will be shown free of charge in Dongsung soon. The directors and movie-going public met together to discuss the movies during the film festival. It was a good chance to expand the fan base and let people know that independent movies are attractive and worth watching.You probably know the famous movie “The Lord of the Ring.” Peter Jackson, the director, was born in New Zealand. New Zealand movies have a reputation for being totally unique. They exhibit much variety and creativeness. The first New Zealand Film Festival "Paradise on the Edge" showed some famous movies like “The Lord of the Ring” and others not so famous. The festival encouraged cultural exchange and fostered the relationship between New Zealand and Korea. The New Zealand Film Festival's location changes each year, alternating between Seoul, Jeonju, Gwangju, Daegu, and Busan.

With the Korean movie industry growing worldwide, Daegu is trying play its part. Although Dongsung Art Hall is nothing special to look at and lacks the facilities of other theatres, it can help the advancement of our city. There is no doubt that though Dongsung Art Hall's beginnings were small, the result will be something special. For more information please visit the Dongsung Art Hall Internet cafe http://cafe.naver.com/dartholic.cafe.