SEOUL, South Korea — The Sitges Film Festival in Spain recently celebrated the unique flair of supernatural and fantastic cinema by awarding the Special Jury Award to “Exhuma,” a South Korean occult thriller directed by Jang Jae-hyun. The film, distributed by Showbox, drew significant attention in the horror genre community for its distinctive narrative and compelling performances.
Regarded as a prestigious event since its inception in 1968, the Sitges Film Festival has a long history of honoring films within the fantasy and horror genres. The acknowledgment of “Exhuma” at the festival’s 57th edition underscores a growing appreciation for South Korean cinema on the international stage.
“Exhuma” made a notable impact upon its release in South Korea in February, attracting nearly 12 million viewers. The plot centers on two shamans, a feng shui expert, and a mortician who untangle a series of eerie events troubling a wealthy American-based family. Their journey leads them to exhume the grave of the family’s ancestor in a remote Korean village, stirring dark forces.
The film’s intrigue is magnified by the performances of lead actors Choi Min-sik and Kim Go-eun, whose portrayals add depth to the chilling narrative. The combination of traditional and modern horror elements particularly stands out, exploring themes of ancestry and supernatural legacies which resonate with global audiences.
In addition to “Exhuma,” the festival also spotlighted “Handsome Guys,” a horror-comedy by Nam Dong-hyub. This film received the People’s Choice Award, featuring Lee Sung-min and Lee Hee-jun as the protagonists who stir up paranormal trouble in a rural town. A remake of the 2010 Canadian film “Tucker & Dale vs. Evil,” it presented a humorous yet suspenseful look at misinterpretations escalating into chaos, culminating in the awakening of a powerful spirit.
Since its release in June, “Handsome Guys” has enjoyed a warm reception, pulling in 1.7 million viewers and marking another success for South Korean filmmakers. The film cleverly blends comedy with horror, a combination that has proven effective in captivating a broad audience.
The achievements of these films at Sitges highlight an exciting trend in cinema where South Korean directors are gaining international recognition not only for their unique storytelling techniques but also for their ability to infuse traditional narratives with modern sensibilities that appeal to global audiences.
This year’s festival outcomes may encourage more South Korean filmmakers to explore genre-bending and culturally rich narratives, potentially leading to even greater international collaboration and recognition in the future.
As the appreciation for diverse and genre-specific films grows, festivals like Sitges serve as critical platforms for showcasing and celebrating the innovative work of filmmakers from around the world. South Korea’s recent successes at such gatherings are a testament to the rich, evolving landscape of global cinema.