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Free Online Screenings - Korean Film Festival 2020 (October 29th to November 5th) @ KOFFIA

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The Korean Film Festival 2020
OCT 29 to NOV 5

Welcome to our online film festival! For the first time ever, our full program is available to stream to anyone, anywhere in Australia for free. So sit back, relax and enjoy the best from our festival all from the comfort of your couch.

Need to make an account. - But the link isn't open yet, it'll be up and running around 29/10.

Important - Like irl you need to be on time-ish but there's a 30min window before lock out. "Rented films are available to watch during festival set hours, remember your screening times and begin streaming your film within the allotted time frame! Films are open to stream within 30minutes from its scheduled time."

Update 26/10 - Just wanted to add there's a panel/chat thing that normally happens on launch night (before opening night). This is happening on Wed 28/10.

'The Korean Film Festival in Australia (KOFFIA) will sit down with KOFFIA Artistic Director David Park, art and film critic John McDonald, UNSW film lecturer Greg Dolgopolov and KOFFIA Chairwoman Sojeong Park to chat about all things KOFFIA 2020!
The panel will discuss the 2020 festival program as well as the effects that COVID-9 has had on film festivals in Australia and the Korean film industry.
Come join us for this pre-opening live stream event as we celebrate Hallyuwood down under!'

https://www.facebook.com/events/347782413172167/

————————————————————————————-Update 3/11

2hrs ago·
POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE:
It is with a heavy heart that we relay that there has been a security issue with our streaming platform. We are currently working with all relevant parties to ensure that this is rectified as soon as possible. In light of this current situation, we have made the hard decision to postpone all future screenings for KOFFIA 2020 until further notice. Your support is valuable to us, it is the reason we continue our festival year after year and we can only ask for your understanding in this matter as we try our best to resolve this situation and will endeavour to get back to you soon with further updates as they develop.

Related Stores

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closed Comments

  • -2

    Seriously, they tie you to a specific watching time with a streaming system?? ¯_(ツ)_/¯

    • +18

      I personally love it as someone who has organizing issues lol, like I save things but then never watch them. This way with a deadline I will.

    • +19

      Just like going to a Film Festival!
      All seeing at same time & discussing afterwards is an important part of film festivals.

      Attended PIFF in Busan. Stayed with international film critics so scored lots of free tickets as a "critic". Got to meet directors & actors. Had a great time.

        • +23

          Film Festivals are about the Film experience. It's a collective, not an individual experience.

          Film Festivals are generally to create interest in the films shown, to sell to distributors.
          Making them widely available usually goes against the interests of the makers of the films. There will be contracts between the Festival & the owners of the Film, of what can & can't be done with the Film.

          You're talking about the experience for you, what & when you want. Films will probably be paid for streaming services later.

          This attempts to recreate that film festival experience. Plus it would likely be far cheaper & easier to achieve - at set times.

          It builds anticipation & participation, that streaming can't.

          If you've been to large film festivals - you would have experienced the buzz that creates. Individual viewing is a totally different experience, but that's the limitation at the moment.

          BIFF (previously PIFF) is the largest Asian film festival. Accommodation is booked a year ahead, due to the anticipation of the Film event. (I slept on the balcony of an apartment!)

          It's like looking forward to a treat, rather than having it available all the time. People appreciate the special occasion much more. Making anything too available lowers it's value & attractiveness.

        • +4

          Try commenting on a thread/deal that's several days old…you may find that there's nobody would reply or even care.

    • +6

      @bono … This is in line with industry practice. It is to do with DRM (digital rights Management) and the distribution of the underlying licence for each title… Sorry, no conspiracy here.

      • -4

        Ah thanks for explaining it's tied into the licensing.

        The thing I'm pointing out it that it's regressive .. it's reducing functionality and utility to create fake scarcity in a throwback to a different physical medium.

        It's not adapted to work optimally in the new medium.

        I don't like artificial restrictions, that principle is used against us consumers in so many ways and I avoid it whenever I can.

        But obviously many people feel otherwise, at least on this issue.

        • +7

          Risk a few million & years of your life on a quality Film project, then come back & tell us how you feel about giving it away for almost nothing to people who complain.

            • +11

              @bono: Obviously you don't have to accept it - just don't watch the Films! That's your choice.

              This popular Deal is offering free access to films most of us might otherwise never see, but you just complain.

  • +3

    Seems like a good line up but as bono says tied to a specific time for streaming? If you can watch any film at any time during the FF period it would seem like a better option.

    • +1

      I know the Japanese film fest (dec event) will be online too, it'll be interesting to see what they do.

  • -2

    That’s VOD but on a whole new level.

    Imagine Netflix doing it. Yikes!

    • +5

      @Putin

      Film Festivals operate under completely different licencing arrangements than that available to commercial movie theatres, Netflix,television networks etc.

      Simply stated, the festivals are usually one-off single events rather than an on going commercial arrangement.

  • Need to make an account. - But the link isn't open yet, it'll be up and running around 29/11.

    Wouldn't that be a month after the start of the film festival?

  • +1

    It's like an invitation to watch, but with too many steps

    • A free virtual entry to an overseas festival. I think I can take a few steps.

  • Yep can not wait for japanese film festival

  • Quantum physics night adventure looks interesting. Thanks op

    • I looked at all the trailers and that one is at the top of my list.

  • -3

    30mins..? There must be lagging, waiting for sign up, streaming slow etc since they open only limited time. my internet is pretty slow and not sure I can finish the film in time even if there are no problems from their side. If i have to miss the last 30 mins of a film, what is the point to watch?

    • If i have to miss the last 30 mins of a film…

      Where does it say that?
      Streaming is available to START up to 30min after the scheduled time! Can then watch the full movie.

      • -1

        What if your internet or streaming service itself is slow? There is def a chance since many people can watch only limited time. Where dose it say you can watch it full if you start on time?

        • +1

          my internet is pretty slow and not sure I can finish the film in time

          Do you have problems viewing other streamed movies?
          You are responsible for having a suitable service to receive this Deal.

          If you are worried -
          Get a better internet service (for the week). Or visit somewhere that does.
          And start the movie on time & enjoy!

          • -2

            @INFIDEL: I don't think it's only me and change internet for this? no way! Thanks for the advice tho

            • @Clydee:

              I don't think it's only me

              No one else is complaining.

              change internet for this? no way!

              You're the one complaining about your slow internet speed!

              It's up to you to do something about it, if you use an inadequate service unable to support streaming (to watch these free movies).
              Why put up with it, unless there are no alternatives. Contact your provider to complain.

              Or upgrade / add a fast data service.
              It needn't cost much. I'm using a fast 4G service on a mobile with lots of data. Was from Deal costing just $1 for 2 months. Streaming movies on TV with it is great.

              • -1

                @INFIDEL: Huh.. calm down mate. Can't really tell what made you comment this much but guess I have to tell you something. Man, everyone is in different situation. Me personally can't get faster speed internet at the moment. Or rather I know that it's not worth it for now also have not much problem to watch Youtube and Netflix with it except evening time.

                OK. Let's see a bit wider side now. Why do you think they decide to invite to Online Korean movies for free? Sure it is because of COVID, but I believe they also want to expand their film market in Australia as they successfully did in USA. How many OZs do you know willing to spend time and money to watch their movies if it is not proven one like Parasite?

                This is a good chance for them to promote their movie as a lot of people put their ass in the house and got not much things to do. It is also great chance for us, too as we can enjoy the nice movies which probably would never hear about otherwise.

                However, as many people mentioned above, limiting 30 minutes will not help it at all.

                I didn't complaining my internet speed bcos that what I decided, but I complained the time allowed to watch the movie. If they are inviting us to watch Korean movie anyway, what could be the reason to limit for 30 minutes? Do you think there is any, any problem if they just make it 6 hours or even 1 day for the people who can't watch it on time(working?) or have slower internet(rural area?)

                There are so many people read this comments but not leaving comment on OZbargain, and also there's even hundreds of thousands people don't even know about this site. What makes you think No one else is complaining? I could already see quite a bit on this page alone.

                I feel like writing this is like a bit of time wasting and probably not going to comment further, but I still thank you for information. 4G will definitely work.

                • @Clydee: Lol - I am calm!
                  My comments were added not just for your benefit!

                  As you say, others may have these problems & some have different internet access (like rural & other slow access areas). (I suggested a cheap temporary option that could fix that for some, but you still complain!)

                  So I added the Help information about internet speeds & length movies would be made available - as the Festival updated the information.

                  My comments were intended to help people view these Films.


                  Now you're criticising other aspects of this free screening Festival! Why so unhappy - with free films?? You want a lot for no payment!

                  As I've already discussed above when a similar complaint was raised (and negged!)…
                  The streaming times will depend on the rights organised for the movies - it's a film festival, not a general film release.

                  Streaming more than 1 movie at a time (as you want, to make movies available for much longer viewing) increases the cost & complexity to the Festival organisers. So that's why the Festival is organised this way.

                  In normal times - we would have to physically move to the Festival venues, book & pay for… tickets, transport, & maybe even accommodation! Here it's free in our home!
                  Movies then would be scheduled for specific start times at different venues. Arrive late or want to see a section again - sorry!
                  I've experienced that in Busan (South Korea). Luckily I was given free "Film Critic" tickets - thoroughly enjoyed the experience😊


                  Streaming the movies has been no problem via Android phone on 4G (cast to TV). Although there were a couple of slight pauses of a few seconds total - at peak time on Sunday night.
                  No problem rewinding & rewatching scenes where the dialog was too fast or wanted to appreciate the Film more. Usually started watching after the start time. Finished before the streaming stop time. Great movies.

                  Loving watching the movies on the 100GB 50c/mth 4G!

                  • @INFIDEL: I liked your comment better. before edited.. you seems pretty happy so that's good.

                • @Clydee:

                  Me personally can't get faster speed internet at the moment.

                  As I posted below, the Festival Help section suggested
                  If your internet connection is poor or inconsistent you may experience problems during playback. Try lowering the playback bitrate.

                  I wonder if you've even watched any of these movies to know if your internet can stream them??
                  Pointless complaining about it otherwise!

        • Where dose it say you can watch it full if you start on time?

          If you are to play the film within the 30 minute streaming window, you will be allowed to finish the film! FAQ #4

        • You will need a broadband or fibre internet connection - dial up will not work.

          We use adaptive bitrate streaming which means the streaming quality will automatically adjust based on your internet speed. For High Definition (HD) streaming we recommend VDSL, cable or fibre connections as we cannot guarantee consistent HD streaming on ADSL.

          Why does video playback stall or not play smoothly?
          If your internet connection is poor or inconsistent you may experience problems during playback. Try lowering the playback bitrate.

          https://www.koffiaonline.com/page/help/

          1 day rental from the date and time of release.
          3 hour playback window. Once rented, your film will be available in your account for a day. Once you press play, the watch window begins and you have 3 hours to watch the film as many times as you like.

  • +1

    This is for mrs

  • +1

    What's the best way to watch these (or other Korean) movies if I can't make the free screening? For example I want to watch Family Affair but can't make the time. I can't see anywhere online to rent or even buy the film.

    • +2

      Message them. Tbh foreign films are very hard to find online (from my exp, and film fest films specifically) and chances of subtitles are slim. Back in the day there were sites like asiandramatv but not anymore.

    • +2

      @TheWizardsApprentice

      These are "appointment viewings" and are scheduled in terms of the underlying licensing agreements they have in place for films festivals. These screenings are not the same as those licenced for commercial theatre screenings.

      To watch any time on demand, you would have to wait until the film(s) were officially distributed by a commercial theatre or a VSOD facility (NetFlix, Stan etc).

      The films distributors usually offer film festivals generous terms and in return they receive feedback to gauge what is popular and what are potentially good titles to officially distribute commercially.

    • +2

      I subscribed to Rakuten Viki when in law was visiting us, happy in law, happy wife, happy me :)

  • +1

    There's some pretty big names this year, it's great that they screen in Australia as well (they actually have been for a decade or so now). Last year had some real gems like Parasite, and although not to the same universal acclaim I enjoyed Extreme Job, and the year before that A Taxi Driver. Almost guaranteed that you'll find at least 1 movie that you enjoy every year, even though they may not be masterpieces like Parasite.

    • +1

      Extreme Job is hilarious, I enjoyed it very much.

    • +2

      Extreme Job was so good! We actually went to nene before the show. In the past (not sure about this year) they were a sponsor/partner.

      • Thanks ill check it out never heard it before

    • +1

      I can vouch for Extreme Job as well. One of the funniest Korean Movies I've seen in a long time.
      And A Taxi Driver is definitely worth watching as it features the lead actor from Parasite, Song Kang Ho.

      • Yeah that one is pretty good movie. Most of his movie are worth watching tbh

  • So how do i watch it on my TV? Does it support Chromecast?

    • @alamodey
      If you were to view it from your PC or Mac, a Chrome web browser (Windows or Mac) has the Chromecast function built into the browser that you can transmit to a Chromecast device attached to your telly. I can't verify, but maybe the new Microsoft Edge browser might have this function also. Firefox does not.

      Other methods include tuning in on your smartphone or pad device and connecting a micro-USB/USB-C to HDMI cable to a HDMI socket on your TV.

      Hope this helps.

  • +1

    This should be excellent, thanks OP

  • the only korean titles i liked were Chingu and Busan train. Are there any on the list worth watching?

    • +2

      Looking up reviews is the only way to know. Trailers don't tend to give out much.

      The higher rated films are set on the peak hours - Fri/Sat night, also opening/closing night.

  • Not related to this , but wish other festivals also had Virtual Screening as well as in person for instance the Adelaide Film Festival has some international movies premiering which wont be released till mid 2021 . Wish could virtually watch them .

  • +2

    Here's my Letterboxd list for people to see ratings of movies that will be shown at the festival :)

    https://boxd.it/92Cpu

    • +1

      Love Punch-Drunk Love

      • Honestly have such a good laugh every time I watch it.

    • Thanks for the list! Never heard of letterboxd before

  • +3

    Nice one. I love a good Korean movie. Especially those revenge films. Makes some Hollywood gangster flicks look like a Disney movie haha

    • +7

      The Koreans do revenge so well - like an art form.

  • +1

    Any idea if they’ll have English subtitles?

    • lol you didn't look at the trailers did you?
      Yes every movie has subs.

  • Thanks. Wife will love this event

  • +3

    A Heads Up!

    The web-site has been refreshed:
    https://www.koffiaonline.com

    This signup page is now up and running. Remember, the film screenings begin next Thursday, 29th October, 2020 and I believe you need to register a new account before screenings begin. (I am still reading through the T&Cs)

    https://www.koffiaonline.com/signup.html

    FAQs and Help here:
    https://www.koffiaonline.com/page/help/

    Terms and Conditions here:
    https://www.koffiaonline.com/page/terms-and-conditions/

    Some films are also being shown being streamed on SBS On Demand.

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/576364

    Off to make kim-chi pizza
    (joke)

  • thanks!

  • +3

    I'm excited for the fil by quantum physics. A big fan of seo ye ji

    • Dang missed it . Totally forgotten about it

  • ooh nice,
    Some other movies I love is a bitter sweet life, the man from nowhere and yellow sea!

  • +1

    BAD NEWS:

    Important Notice

    Postponed until further notice:

    It is with a heavy heart that we relay that there has been a security issue to our streaming platform. We are currently working with all relevant parties to ensure that this is rectified as soon as possible. In light of this current situation we have made the hard decision to postpone all future screenings for KOFFIA 2020 until further notice. Your support is valuable to us, it is the reason we continue our festival year after year and we can only ask for your understanding in this matter as we try our best to resolve this situation and will endeavour to get back to you soon with further updates as they develop.

    • +1

      So sad.
      Updated.

    • Did someone figure out a way to download an entire film on the streaming platform? Missed out on some films a few days ago. Hope they screen all of it again.

  • yeah annoying as I had 2 films scheduled to watch tonight. Hopefully they will fix the issue and get the last few back up sometime soon.

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