여름 끝자락, 원주 옥상에 ‘달의 극장’이 떴다

The sun's daily hustle ceased on the evening of July 28th, as the stage for the annual "Moon Theater" emerged on the rooftop of the Gangwon Tourism Office in Gangwon-do's Wonju city. Illuminations dimmed, revealing the magic of ad-bevel screen, a canvas for an array of lights. Upon the second day of the 2026 Wonju Rooftop Film Festival, patrons clad in umbrellas stepped onto the rooftop for the premiere of the first film, "Isan-hyeon."

Camp chairs held by attendees offered various perspectives on their movie experience, some engaging in lively conversations with friends, others soothing their babies, while one viewer stretched out on the seat, legs dangling. Even the aroma of roasted corn from the Wonju Artisan Market wafted through the auditorium.

The 2026 Wonju Rooftop Film Festival, spanning three days from July 27th, showcased around 20 independent and art-house films, including works from the Gangwon Short Film, Rooftop Short Film, and Rooftop Feature Film categories. Documentaries, discussions between filmmakers and audiences, and performances from local indie musicians were part of the festival's offerings.

Founded in 2017 due to a dearth of dedicated venues for independent art films in Wonju, the festival was conceived to transport audiences to their beloved cinematic experiences right in their city. The rooftop's unique spatial experience, free from obstructions like street lights and signboards, made it ideal for outdoor screenings, and the inaugural event at Myro Art Market's rooftop also boasted excellent accessibility.

The festival, led by Executive Director I-Fu Jeong without any financial support from the local government, persevered through tough conditions, thanks to the efforts of the executive committee and the contributions of various regional organizations and merchants. This year marked the first time the festival attracted more than 2,000 attendees, driven by the festival's ability to create a lasting sense of pride among locals who see their region's films take center stage.

Festival participant Jang Yu-jin traveled from Changwon to witness films created in his hometown, expressing his excitement at the festival's growing recognition. Jang anticipated that the 2027 edition would see even greater attendance.