A still-shot of filmmaker O Muel's "Jiseul" which will be screened in the World Cinema Dramatic Competition at Sundance to be held next January in Utah. [JinJin Pictures]

Filmmaker O Muel’s latest project “Jiseul” is to vie for the best film award at the coveted Sundance Film Festival.

Based on the Jeju Island massacre of 1948, the film will be screened in the World Cinema Dramatic Competition at Sundance to be held next January in Utah.

The film`s producer told 10 Asia that he is ecstatic about the Sundance screening.

"Jiseul is set during the U.S. military government period in Korea`s history. The topic could be potentially sensitive so it`s all the more meaning for it to be screened in the U.S", said Ko Seok-jin, the producer of the film.

The movie scooped up four awards at the 2012 Busan International Film Festival -- the CGV Movie College Award, the DGK Awards for Best Director, the Citizen Reviewer’s Award and the NETPAC Jury Award.

Meanwhile, into its 29th edition, the Sundance Film Festival is widely known as one of the most renowned premiere showcases for international independent films, where Korean documentary maker Kim Dong-won’s “Repatriation” was awarded with the Freedom of Expression Award in 2004.

Written and helmed by 41-year-old director O, “Jiseul” is slated to hit Korean theaters next March.

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10 아시아 Reporter : Lee Tae Ho myenclaves@
10 아시아 Editor : Kim Nemo monicasuk@
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