Cinecube Celebrates 25 Years with ‘Times of the Cinema’

Seoul’s independent cinema, Cinecube, marked its 25th anniversary with the premiere of the anthology film, Times of the Cinema, a project featuring short works by directors Lee Jong-pil, Yoon Ga-eun, and Jang Geon-jae. The film and anniversary events highlight Cinecube’s enduring role in showcasing independent and art house films in South Korea.

A Quarter-Century of Independent Film

Founded in 2000, Cinecube has become a vital space for cinephiles seeking alternatives to mainstream blockbusters. As noted by director Lee Jong-pil, the theater has persevered while many other independent cinemas in the Gwanghwamun area have closed. The 25th-anniversary event, held on December 2, 2025, brought together fans, industry professionals, and representatives from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

‘Times of the Cinema’: An Anthology of Short Films

Times of the Cinema, produced to commemorate the anniversary, consists of three distinct short films:

• ‘Chimpanzee’ (Lee Jong-pil): This film follows Young Godo, a part-time worker who discovers a passion for art films, and later, as a director, anxiously awaits reviews of his own chimpanzee-themed movie. Actor Kim Dae-myeong portrays the director grappling with post-release anxieties.
• ‘Naturally’ (Yoon Ga-eun): Known for her work with young actors, director Yoon Ga-eun presents a meta-film exploring the filmmaking process. The short depicts a director guiding child actors in a naturalistic scene, questioning the very definition of “natural” acting. Director Yoon herself makes a brief appearance.
• ‘Time of Film’ (Jang Geon-jae): This segment focuses on the everyday lives of those who work at Cinecube – the cleaner, the projectionist, and the box office clerk – alongside a woman revisiting her past. It contemplates whether a film that induces sleep can still be considered a good film.

Press Conference and Reception

A press conference for Times of the Theater (also referred to as Times of the Cinema) was held on March 3, 2026, at CineCube Gwanghwamun in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Directors Lee Jong-pil, Yoon Ga-eun, and Jang Geon-jae, along with actors Kim Dae-myeong, Wonstein, Lee Soo-kyung, Hong Sa-bin, Go Ah-sung, Jang Hye-jin, and Kim Yeon-kyo were in attendance.

Looking Ahead

As Cinecube celebrates this milestone, it reaffirms its commitment to providing a platform for independent and art house cinema in South Korea. Director Yoon Ga-eun expressed hope that Cinecube will continue to screen films that resonate with audiences for many years to come.