KOREA FOUNDATION

From May 22 to 24, the ASEAN Culture House hosted “Movie Getaway,” a drive-in theater event at the Busan Yachting Center. Three popular films from the ASEAN region were screened free of charge for locals who were tired of their daily lives and thirsty for some culture after the prolonged measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The Philippine romantic drama “Alone/Together” (2019) kicked off the 3-day event, followed, on the second day, by the Indonesian film “The Cemara Family” (Keluarga Cemara, 2018), which deals with the eternal theme of family ties and what is true happiness. On the final day, the Thai film “Friend Zone” (2019) was screened, featuring popular Thai actors and telling the story of two longtime friends who develop romantic feelings for each other. “Movie Getaway” garnered a lot of interest, with many people applying for tickets in advance, and on the three evenings, the yachting center-turned-drive-in theater was filled with cars.

   During the three days of the event, anti-epidemic sterilization was completed daily, and the staff of the ASEAN Culture House additionally prepared enough hand sanitizer for everyone and conducted fever checks whenever new guests arrived. They had also organized a hotline with medical staff to be able to quarantine anyone who might show symptoms of COVID-19. It is hoped that the ASEAN Culture House’s drive-in theater offered our guests a reprieve, and that they enjoyed these ASEAN films during those days when daily activities were curtailed due to the pandemic.