by Lily Alice, August 18, 2023
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Uhm Tae Hwa-directed post-apocalyptic film Concrete Utopia, has been selected as the Korean entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the Academy Awards 2024.

The Korean Film Council selection committee - which includes Bang Eun Jin (Chairman of the Jury), Kim Yun Mi, Kim Cho Hee, Kim Hyung Seok, Kim Hyung Jun, Lee Kyung Min, and Lee Yun Seok - unanimously chose the movie for the Best International Feature Film category at the 96th Academy Awards.

Loosely translating, the council stated, 

"An 'apartment', is a symbol for Koreans, of class and wealth. The depiction of people striving for survival in Hwang Goong Apartment, still standing strong after the disaster, effectively captures the diverse human desires. The protagonist, Lee Byung Hun, leads the story well. The ending also holds significant meaning". 

The Academy Awards, also known as the Oscars, is an annual awards ceremony honoring outstanding achievements in the film industry. It is one of the most prestigious awards events in the world of filmmaking. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), an organization of professionals from various fields of the film industry, present them every year. 

The 96th Oscars is to be held on March 10th, 2024.

Concrete Utopia tells the story of survivors gathering at the Hwang Goong Apartment in the wake of an earthquake-stricken Seoul. 

So far, the K-movie has grossed $16.8 million (Korean Film Council), proving itself a box office hit. After securing presales in 152 countries, the K-movie has also received invitations from prestigious international film festivals such as the 48th Toronto International Film Festival, the 56th Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival, and the 43rd Hawaii International Film Festival. Following this, the film is expected to gain momentum at the global box office.

Source