The Global Impact of Korean Cinema: A Masterclass on K-Wave

How did South Korea become one of the most exciting film countries in the world? In this masterclass, film educator Twan Arts dives into the quirky history and unique power of Korean cinema. From the Korean New Wave to the global success of Parasite, and from uncompromising auteur films to blockbuster hits full of zombies, revenge, and dark humor. Korean films have become indispensable in cinemas, streaming services, and international film festivals. Directors like Bong Joon Ho, Park Chan-wook, and Lee Chang-dong combine striking imagery with social criticism, dark humor, and narratives that seldom adhere to a single genre. But how did Korean cinema evolve into such a global powerhouse? In this masterclass, Twan Arts guides you through the history of K-Cinema. He examines the Korean New Wave of the 1990s, the rise of a new generation of filmmakers, and the international breakthrough of films like Oldboy and Parasite. What makes this cinema so recognizable? What role do Korea's turbulent history and rapid modernization play? And why do Korean films navigate so effortlessly between arthouse, horror, thriller, melodrama, and comedy? The masterclass kickstarts K-Wave, a four-part series examining the global influence of Korean cinema. On three separate evenings, we will screen Train to Busan, The Handmaiden, and Burning—three vastly different films showcasing the versatility, daring, and surprise of K-Cinema. The masterclass and the three film screenings can be attended separately; individual tickets can be purchased for each evening or you can buy a pass for all events.