Governor Lim Jirak Visits Cheongpung Elementary School in Hwasun to Congratulate Triple International Film Festival Winners

"Passion of Rural School Students Captivates the World" Praised
International Recognition for Artistic Merit and Quality in Ukraine, Scotland, and Italy

As a film created collectively by all 30 students of a small rural school has been making headlines after winning a series of awards on the international stage, it was announced that Hwasun County Governor Lim Jirak visited the school on July 16 to encourage the students and staff.

Governor Lim visited Cheongpung Elementary School that day, met with the students who participated in making the film to offer his congratulations, and engaged in conversation, listening to their various experiences and impressions from the filming process.

Governor Lim stated, "The pure passion of Cheongpung Elementary School students, who are both a great pride and a precious asset for the future of Hwasun, has transcended borders and moved the hearts of people around the world," adding, "Hwasun County will actively support the children so that, based on their pride in their hometown, they can freely pursue their dreams and talents in a wider world."

Kim Hyogwan, principal of Cheongpung Elementary School, said, "Thanks to the Governor's personal visit and warm encouragement, both students and faculty have gained great courage and confidence," and added, "We will continue to do our utmost at the educational site so that the children can grow into global talents with creativity and emotional maturity."

County Governor Ji-Rak Im of Hwasun encouraging children. Photo provided by Hwasun County

"Grandmother, Me, and Dandelion" (Director Park Kibok), a 50-minute coming-of-age drama produced with the participation of every student at Cheongpung Elementary School, depicts, through the pure perspective of children, the journey of a granddaughter and her grandmother—who is suffering from Alzheimer's—visiting a coal mine, an iconic historical landmark of Hwasun, and coming to understand each other.

The film naturally weaves in themes of familial love, intergenerational communication, and the region's history and culture, delivering a deep resonance to its audience.

This work was not only selected as the opening film at the '2026 ICJ International Film Awards' in Ukraine, but also received the Special Student Film Award at Scotland's '2026 Scarlet International Film Festival' and Best Family Film at Italy's 'Night of Shorts Milan International Short Film Festival,' earning recognition for its artistic merit and quality on the global stage.

Particularly meaningful is the fact that all students at a rural school with just 30 enrolled participated in every step of production, resulting in this achievement.

Meanwhile, these accolades are being regarded as an example demonstrating that even small rural schools can produce internationally competitive cultural content through student-centered arts education.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.