'Welcome to Wonder World' screening invites children to learn English naturally

A poster for "Welcome to Wonder World" / Courtesy of Magic Lantern Creative

"Welcome to Wonder World" promises to be more than a kids' movie.

Premiering at CGV Yeongdeungpo Thursday morning, the project combines singing, dancing and call-and-response, giving young audiences the chance to learn English, burn some energy and help the characters in the film solve problems.

A fantasy film, "Welcome to Wonder World" is deliberately structured to help children remember songs, dances and phrases by teaching without being didactic. It promises to be an interactive, meaningful and fun day out for both parents and kids.

The brainchild of a team with members from five different countries, "Welcome to Wonder World" already has the seal of approval from Park Hyun-young, a linguistic education expert known as "Supermom." Park lauded the movie for helping lower kids' hesitancy when a new language, saying that after engaging with the piece, "English becomes something they do, not something they're told to learn."

This will be especially true of the two screenings this Thursday and Friday, where audiences can meet the actors in person as the movie's characters. They can take photos, learn extra dance moves, talk with the characters and receive special merchandise.

Releasing the film during the coldest time of year in Seoul was a deliberate choice intended to give families a reason to go out, allowing young children to expand their worldview at a time when many things seem to shut down. The team behind the film say they wanted to create an atmosphere like an English playground.

That team consists of many experienced creatives, including Danish director Thomas Frederiksen. Inspired by "Sesame Street," Steven Spielberg and Disney World, Frederiksen seeks to create original worlds that can grow alongside their audiences, and noticed that younger viewers respond positively to repetition and rhythm.

The film's juxtaposition of education and entertainment is also typical of Frederiksen's output. As a former textbook author, he has a deep understanding of how and when children best acquire language. He strives to create "warmth, atmosphere and genuine connection." He is very involved with his projects, acting as director, producer, editor and composer.

Joining him is American Bret Lindquist as lead actor, who also helped shape the project's narrative and atmosphere. He says he is influenced by Montessori schools, emphasizing children's agency and helping them develop problem-solving abilities.

Lindquist plays Bret, an ordinary young man in a land of fantasy. His goals and desires will be recognizable to many young people in the audience and Lindquist hopes to show children how to imagine their possible futures.

A scene from "Welcome to Wonder World" / Courtesy of Magic Lantern Creative

Together, Lindquist and Frederiksen founded Magic Lantern Creative, the company behind "Welcome to Wonder World."

Asked what the goal of the project is, the team responded, "Keep kids engaged, energized and learning without turning the experience into 'study.'"

"Welcome to Wonder World" will premier on Thursday and Friday at CGV Yeongdeungpo, near Yeongdeungpo Station on Seoul Metro Line 1. Activities will begin at 9:30 a.m. and continue until 12:30 p.m., including the screening at 10:30 a.m. A larger roll-out of the film is planned for later this year.

Visit wonderworldmovie.com for more information and to book tickets.

Rory Kelly is a writer, actor, improviser and stand-up comedian based in Seoul. He's also often spotted not quite winning pub quizzes in the Itaewon area.