There’s something about Korean cinema that lingers—its masterful storytelling, bold aesthetics, and unmistakable emotional gravity. But this June, the Korean Film Festival in the UAE is adding another layer to the sensory experience: music. Now in its ninth edition, the beloved festival returns to Abu Dhabi from June 19 to 22 at Manarat Al Saadiyat and Dubai from June 27 to 29 at the Mohammed bin Rashid Library, this time with a theme that resonates deeply—“Harmony of Sound and Screen.”
This isn’t just another film festival. It’s a cinematic concert, a cultural dialogue, and a love letter to the ever-evolving relationship between film and music. With a curated selection of critically acclaimed Korean films—each intricately woven with rich soundscapes—and an immersive live concert featuring original soundtracks, the festival promises an unforgettable celebration of storytelling through sound.
A cinematic line-up that sings
Whether you’re a diehard K-cinema fan or a newcomer dipping your toes into the Korean Wave, the 2024 line-up offers something that will strike a chord.
In Abu Dhabi, the festival kicks off on June 19 with Bong Joon-ho’s Academy Award-winning masterpiece, Parasite, a film whose tension is matched only by its haunting, minimalist score. Following this are an array of musical and dramatic gems, including C’est Si Bon, a nostalgic ode to Korea’s 1970s folk scene, and My Beautiful Girl, Mari, a dreamy animated feature where music becomes a character in its own right.
Films like Secret: Untold Melody and Jaurim, The Wonderland spotlight how Korean filmmakers use melody and mood to amplify the emotional undertow of their narratives. And for those who love a good thrill, A Tale of Two Sisters brings gothic horror alive with a chilling soundtrack that lingers long after the credits roll.
In Dubai, the festival almost mirrors much of Abu Dhabi’s line-up, with the same emphasis on sound-rich storytelling and genre diversity. And yes, Parasite is back for an encore screening—because you can’t watch it just once.
Abu Dhabi (June 19–22 at Manarat Al Saadiyat)
- Parasite (June 19, 7 PM) – A socio-thriller score that haunts and mesmerises
- C’est Si Bon (June 20, 4 PM) – A musical ode to Korea’s cherished folk scene
- Secret: Untold Melody (June 20, 7 PM) – Romance threaded with musical mystery
- My Beautiful Girl, Mari (June 21, 2 PM) – An animated dreamworld filled with songs Jaurim, The Wonderland (June 21, 6 PM) – Plus director Q&A—get the story behind the symphony
- Dog Days (June 22, 2 PM) – Midday mischief with a musical twist
- A Tale of Two Sisters (June 22, 4:30 PM) – Chilling harmonies wrapped in suspense
Dubai (June 27–29 at Mohammed bin Rashid Library)
- Parasite (June 27, 4:30 PM)
- My Beautiful Girl, Mari (June 28, 5 PM)
- Jaurim, The Wonderland (June 28, 7 PM)
- A Tale of Two Sisters (June 29, 3 PM)
- The Host (June 29, 5:30 PM) – A cult classic underscored by electric themes
A Live Concert experience like no other
Perhaps the most exciting addition this year is the K-Movie OST Live Concert, an inspired performance by the renowned Choi Yeowan Group. Taking place after key screenings in both cities (Abu Dhabi on June 22, Dubai on June 27), the concert will breathe new life into iconic Korean film scores, blending traditional Korean instruments with contemporary arrangements. Expect to hear beloved themes from The Host, A Tale of Two Sisters, and Jaurim, The Wonderland reimagined on stage in a visceral, genre-crossing set.
This is not merely a soundtrack showcase—it’s a standalone performance, designed to elevate the emotional resonance of the films you’ve just watched. And best of all, it’s free to attend, although seats must be reserved in advance due to high demand.
Talk, reflect and connect
One of the festival’s most enriching aspects is its dedication to intimate dialogue and audience engagement. Select screenings will be followed by director Q&As and panel discussions, offering rare insights into the creative process behind the integration of music and narrative.
Attendees can ask questions directly to directors like Kwak Jae-yong (Secret: Untold Melody) and explore how sonic themes are developed, adapted, and aligned with character arcs and plotlines.
So whether you come for the thrill, the music, the art, or the culture, one thing is certain: this festival is bound to strike a perfect chord. Also, all events are free.
