A Section Showcasing Films on Human Rights and Diverse Values, Realizing the Spirit of Solidarity and Coexistence

This Year’s Theme: ‘Proud to be PrEPPed’

Programmer’s Picks:<How To Tell A Secret>, <Midas Man>

Since 2018, the Seoul International Pride Film Festival has presented the Open Pride Section to highlight the rights of LGBTQ+ and other marginalized communities, emphasizing the values of solidarity and coexistence. This year’s theme, ‘Proud to be PrEPPed’, focuses on PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) as an HIV prevention method, aimed at raising awareness of PrEP in Korea to reduce new HIV infections and dispel stigma and fear surrounding HIV/AIDS.

The 2024 Open Pride Section is organized in collaboration with the Acting Group—a coalition comprising organizations such as The Korean Society for AIDS, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, Sinnaneun Center, iSHAP, Jack’d, and the Korea Medical Assistance Foundation—formed in support of the Proud to be PrEPPed campaign. This section will showcase three impactful works centered on HIV/AIDS. The Irish documentary <How To Tell A Secret>, directed by Shaun Dunne and Anna Rodgers, delves into the experiences of HIV-positive individuals in Ireland and examines the stigma they face. Also featured is <Midas Man>, directed by Joe Stephenson, which tells the turbulent story of Brian Epstein, the manager who launched The Beatles, and his fight to carve out his place in the world. Lastly, <120 BPM>, directed by Robin Campillo, portrays the fierce activism of Act Up Paris members fighting the neglect of governments and pharmaceutical companies during the HIV/AIDS crisis in 1989 Paris.

On Saturday, November 9, from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM, a variety of events will take place at the CGV Myeongdong Cine Library under the ‘Proud to be PrEPPed’ theme. Programs include an introduction to a pilot PrEP program by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, free anonymous HIV testing, booth activities by the Acting Group, and more. At 5:30 PM on the same day, following the screening of <How To Tell A Secret>, there will be a Q&A with a PrEP user.

This year’s Open Pride Section is enriched with films and events that offer audiences the chance to reflect on solidarity from a broader perspective. In previous years, the Seoul International Pride Film Festival partnered with Amnesty International in 2018 to address ‘conscientious objection to military service’, joined forces with Animal Rights Korea in 2019 for ‘animal rights’, and collaborated with Migration to Asia Peace (MAP) in 2020 to spotlight ‘refugee issues’. In 2021, in commemoration of the 35th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster and the 10th anniversary of the Fukushima disaster, the festival focused on ‘anti-nuclear issues’ with the Anti-Nuclear Newspaper. In 2022, the theme was ‘disability rights’ in partnership with the Seoul Disability Rights Film Festival, and in 2023, ‘Forbidden Love’ with Amnesty International. Through these themes, the Open Pride Section continues to amplify diverse voices advocating for coexistence and solidarity.