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SMALL FRY
잔챙이

South Korea202395 minKorean with English subtitlesCanadian PremiereDrama, First Feature, Sports

Ho-jun, a flailing actor, has found relative success as a social media influencer, hawking fishing hacks. He preps his live stream at his preferred fishing spot, only to be disrupted by an obnoxious stranger whose bad vibes are ruining the morning. The stranger is Director Nam, a hotshot (and hot-headed) independent film director about to shoot his first commercial feature. He’s invited rising actress Hee-jin for a quiet pondside chat to convince her that his film will be a star-making breakout role—only Hee-jin isn’t sure about Director Nam’s film, or his ulterior motives. As the day progresses, links between Ho-jun, Director Nam, and Hee-jin entwine and unravel to reveal each character’s ambition, pettiness, and pathos as they try to reel in their respective dreams.

In an impressively lean and resourceful production, Small Fry director Joongha Park and co-writer Howon Kim (who also stars as Ho-jun) have crafted a funny, biting, and heartfelt meta film commentary about the strains on artistic process and purpose, especially when confronted with the demands of the commercial industry.

– Aram Siu Wai Collier

Cast

Howon Kim

Seonghwan

Chaeyoung Leem

Recognitions

OFFICIAL SELECTION

Jeonju International Film Festival, 2023

Arizona International Film Festival, 2023

San Diego Asian Film Festival, 2023

 

AWARDS

Best Acting Prize, Jeonju International Film Festival, 2023

Best First Feature, Arizona International Film Festival, 2023

Director Bio

Joongha PARK

Born in 1980 and majoring in environmental engineering, Joongha Park started making films because he wanted to make stories about the environment and humans. His short film Sweet Potato Family (2015) won the Bucheon Choice Audience Award at the BIFAN 2015.

Rating

PG

10 Nov, 2023 5:30 pm

TIFF Bell Lightbox C4
MEMBERS TICKETS
PUBLIC TICKETS

50 tickets are made free with the generous support of the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Toronto.

Accessibility


English Subtitles icon Wheelchair/Step-Free Seating available icon
This screening is presented with English subtitles. Wheelchair spaces and step-free seating is available for this screening – click below to book accessible seats.

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Community Partner

POST-FILM DISCUSSION: SMALL FRY

Join us for a Q&A immediately after the theatrical presentation with Director Joongha Park & Writer/Producer/Actor Howon Kim.

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