Program Note
North Korea’s animation production standards are famously world-class, with significant changes made under Kim Jong-un’s regime. Previously, such ‘children’s films’ were produced by ‘Chosun Science Education Film Studio’; now they are made by a professional production company, ‘Chosun 4.26 Animation Film Studio’. Human protagonists rather than animal characters have increased in frequency, the number of films set in the Goguryeo era remain and the picture quality has improved; even 3D films have now appeared. Let’s Keep the Traffic Order is a good example of this recent trend. Newly developing Pyeongyang and North Korea feature: its increased traffic, the backdrop of an amusement park, a swimming pool and dolphin show are seen as Kim Jong-un’s best achievements. The series certainly has longevity; the 15th episode, Cheerleader Se-cheol, has also recently been made. The first to the 6th episodes will be shown at BIFAN. (KIM Jong-won)