German documentary 'Who We Are' opens 18th Seoul International Eco Film Festival
A scene from “Who We Are,” the opening film of the 18th Seoul International Eco Film Festival / Courtesy of SEFF
By Kwak Yeon-soo
This year's Seoul International Eco Film Festival (SEFF), Asia's biggest environmental film fest, kicked off a seven-day run Thursday through June 9.
Under the slogan “ECOvolution” ― a compound mix of “eco,” “revolution” and evolution” ― 64 films from 25 countries that feature environmental issues will be screened during the festival at Megabox Seongsu in Seoul. For those unable to attend, digital screenings are also available through the festival's website and broadcaster MBC.
The 18th edition of SEFF will open with “Who We Are,” a documentary by German filmmaker Marc Bauder. It features contemporary thinkers and modern scientists who diagnose the current state of the world as they examine the relationship between climate change and the global economy.
“The film was selected as the opening film because it looks at human history in the context of a massive crisis,” said Seo Do-eun, a programmer for SEFF.
The lineup for this year's festival offers a wide range of environmentally themed films, from a documentary about how an individual's actions can make a difference in “I Am Greta,” to a film examining the rise of sea levels in “66 Meters” and a documentary about the future of hydrogen energy titled “At War with the Dinosaurs.”
Twelve films were chosen for the international competition section, including director Luiz Bolognesi's “The Last Forest” which looks into the Amazon basin whose survival is threatened by gold mining and deforestation; director David Baute's “Climate Exodus” which analyzes the increasing number of climate refugees due to water and food scarcity; and Elizabeth Lo's “Stray” which observes human lives through the eyes of stray dogs in Istanbul, Turkey.
The Korean Competition category will feature seven local films, including Park Bae-il's “Sasang: The Town on Sand” which reveals labor problems surrounding the exploitation of workers, and Kim Ki-seong's “Land and Housing” about people who have lost their homes due to redevelopment.
A poster for the 18th Seoul International Eco Film Festival / Courtesy of SEFF
The opening ceremony of the 18th SEFF took place behind closed doors due to COVID-19 pandemic concerns.
Actor Kwon Yul hosted the event for the fourth consecutive year. “It's my great honor to host a festival with such good purpose. I would like to continue taking part in this festival that communicates with the public and raises awareness about environmental issues,” he said in a statement. “I hope this festival draws public attention to the importance of climate action at this difficult time.”
The seven-day event will give audiences a unique chance to engage with filmmakers in several Q&A and eco-talk sessions after the screenings.
On the sidelines, the 18th SEFF will launch the “No More Plastic” campaign that encourages visitors to use less plastic. It will also feature an upcycling fashion exhibition.
This year's event is co-hosted by the nonprofit Korea Green Foundation environmental organization and broadcaster MBC. The Ministry of Environment and the Seoul Metropolitan Government are sponsors. Visit
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