ROK agrees to show neighbor’s movies

SEOUL — The Republic of Korea has approved a rare screening of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea movies at a local film festival, as a diplomatic thaw gains pace following two landmark summits between their leaders.

The two countries technically remain in conflict after the 1950-53 Korean War ended without a peace treaty, and all cross-border civilian contact — including trips, letters, or emails — are banned unless endorsed by both governments.

But officials have allowed three DPRK feature films and six short movies to be screened at the annual Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival on Seoul’s outskirts from July 12, organizers said.

The DPRK’s films include the 2016 drama hit The Story of Our Home, about three orphaned siblings trying to stay together, and Comrade Kim Goes Flying, a 2012 romantic comedy about a miner pursuing her dream to become an acrobat, and is the country’s first “girl power” movie.

The latter — a joint production between the United Kingdom, Belgium and the DPRK — was earlier screened at the Toronto International Film Festival and the ROK’s Busan International Film Festival to positive reviews.

Organizers have also sought to invite several DPRK moviemakers but are waiting for official approval.

Public displays of the DPRK’s culture or bringing its figures to Seoul requires authorization from several state bodies, including Seoul’s Unification Ministry and spy agency.

Even possession of publications or other materials produced in the DPRK can be a criminal offense under the ROK’s anti-communist National Security Law.

But cross-border relations have warmed after ROK President Moon Jae-in — who has championed dialogue with the DPRK since taking office last year — held a landmark summit in April with Kim Jong-un, the DPRK’s top leader.

At Seoul’s invitation, Pyongyang sent athletes and senior officials to the ROKhosted Pyeongchang Winter Games in February and ROK basketball players visited Pyongyang last week.