A Film About Ethnicity, Dreaming of Unity
On March 24, Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) Global Branch 11 hosted A Film About Ethnicity, Dreaming of Unity at the Myeongseong Arts & Culture Center in Jung-gu, Seoul. This event was part of Connecting the Nation, a flagship initiative under the broader Together: Connecting Korea campaign, aimed at exploring the role of culture—particularly cinema—in fostering national unification and social cohesion.
The event began with a screening of the short animation War is Over, setting the tone for an evening focused on dialogue and reflection. Following the screening, senior filmmakers and members of the Peace Practice Committee engaged in an open forum discussing the potential of film to serve as a catalyst for peace, as well as the creative directions filmmakers should pursue in light of the evolving landscape of inter-Korean relations.
Lee Kyung-yoon, President of the Senior Filmmakers Association, highlighted the significance of film in Korean cultural history, stating, “The advent of cinema in 1886 marked a revolutionary leap for humanity, and Korean culture has since flourished alongside it. Our films have never been made in vain. I encourage everyone to continue supporting and cherishing Korean cinema.”
Song, Chairman of the Peace Practice Committee, emphasized the role of film as a medium of remembrance and hope, remarking, “Cinema is a mirror of the times and a powerful art form that moves hearts. Korean films have chronicled the pain of war and division, while also embodying the sorrow and hopes of each generation. In today’s reality, where division is too often taken for granted and the memory of conflict fades, film must bridge empathy across generations. Remembering the past while envisioning the future—this is the indispensable role of cinema. I hope today’s discussions will plant seeds of peace for the generations to come.”
Kim Da-hae, Director of HWPL Global Branch 11, affirmed HWPL’s commitment to continued civic engagement, stating, “Reunification remains a shared dream, but our senior filmmakers—who have lived through times of hardship and hope—are uniquely equipped to guide us. We will continue expanding the Together campaign, ensuring more voices join this movement for peace.”
Together: Connecting Korea (campaign link) is a nationwide, citizen-led campaign promoting sustainable social integration across generations, regions, genders, and ideologies. Through volunteerism, awareness campaigns, and dialogue initiatives, the campaign seeks to lay the groundwork for a peaceful and unified Korean Peninsula.
