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Director Park Ki-yong, known for the acclaimed film Motel Cactus, is embarking on a new project titled Ghost Island. This film, recognized at the JAFF Future Project, examines the eerie connections between two significant historical massacres during the Cold War in Korea and Indonesia. It combines elements of supernatural thriller with a deep exploration of love, loss, and the repercussions of history.
Set against the scenic backdrop of Jeju Island, Ghost Island follows Ayu, an Indonesian woman searching for her missing husband, Herman. Their honeymoon takes a tragic turn when he mysteriously vanishes. Ayu enlists Inho, a former marine turned investigator, to aid in her search. Their journey leads them to motels and ferry terminals, revealing more than just a disappearance.
A tale of intertwined fates
The narrative deepens as Ayu encounters unsettling discoveries. CCTV footage captures a figure resembling Herman, yet the image remains blurred, reflecting how the past often eludes clear comprehension. The investigation takes a supernatural turn when Inho’s grandmother performs a shamanistic ritual, unveiling the traumatic history of the Jeju 4.3 massacre. Ayu begins to sense a chilling link between her husband’s disappearance and the historical atrocities that shadow the island.
Unearthing hidden truths
Upon returning to Bali, Ayu faces a heartbreaking truth: her husband seemingly never existed in official records. A fortune-teller reveals that Herman died long ago, a victim of violence connected to Ayu’s own family. Her grandfather commanded military forces during the mass killings in Bali from 1965 to 1966, resulting in the destruction of Herman’s village. The spirit of her young husband lingers, seeking recognition of his truth. This revelation propels Ayu into a spiritual journey to confront the past.
The essence of memory and silence
Park Ki-yong expresses his fascination with how history is remembered differently. He states, “The wounds of Jeju have started to be recognized and mourned, while Bali’s traumas remain largely suppressed.” He emphasizes that Ghost Island aims to amplify voices that history has sought to silence. The film transcends traditional horror and historical drama, evolving into a work of poetic realism where landscapes and technology evoke powerful memories.
A spiritual detective story
The film is characterized as a “spiritual detective story,” where the ghosts of the past demand acknowledgment rather than revenge. Park highlights the project’s intention to explore significant yet often overlooked historical events—the Jeju 4.3 massacre and the Bali killings—through empathy and human connection. “Our aim is to transform these hidden narratives into a deeply personal mystery,” the filmmakers declare.
At the JAFF Market, the team seeks to establish a strong identity for Ghost Island and build meaningful collaborations. They are committed to making the film resonate not just within Asian contexts but also with global audiences. The filmmakers hope that premiering at this festival will connect them with partners who share their vision of honoring these historical narratives.
Park Ki-yong, a former leader of the Korean Film Council, brings extensive experience to this project. His previous works, including Motel Cactus and Camel(s), have received international acclaim. With Ghost Island, he continues to delve into themes of memory and trauma, inviting audiences to witness the stories hidden beneath the surface.
Ghost Island promises to be a profound exploration of intertwined histories, where love and memory intersect with haunting legacies of violence. This film aims not only to entertain but also to enlighten, illuminating the darkness often left unaddressed.