This photo shows a scene from the Indian movie "Laapataa Ladies" (2023). The Korean Film Archive (KOFA) said Friday that six Indian films including this film will be showcased at its Cinematech KOFA theater in Seoul from Nov. 26 to Nov. 30. Courtesy of KOFA

Indian films that have been well-received recently will be screened in Korea as the Korean Film Archive (KOFA) will host an Indian Film Festival to let movie fans get a glimpse of the essence of Indian cinema, popularly known as Bollywood.

The KOFA, a state-run agency focusing on researching Korean film history and collecting both Korean and international film materials, said Friday that it will hold the film festival at its Cinematech KOFA theater in Mapo District, Seoul, for five days from Nov. 26 to Nov. 30.

This event aims to showcase the rich diversity of Indian cinema to Korean audiences through a curated selection of critically acclaimed works. The Indian Film Festival represents a significant endeavor in cultural diplomacy, strengthening ties between the two nations through the medium of cinema.

Since 2016, the KOFA has collaborated with the Embassy of India in Seoul and the Indian Cultural Centre to organize film festivals that introduce contemporary Indian cinema to Korean viewers.

The event has been instrumental in presenting a wide spectrum of Indian genres and cultural elements that are typically underrepresented in Korean commercial theaters. The KOFA said it offers a unique opportunity for Korean audiences to experience the breadth of Indian storytelling and cultural nuances.

This year's festival lineup consists of six films that explore India's culture and contemporary issues. The lineup includes the "Baahubali" (2015) franchise and "Kantara" (2022), films that showcase grand narratives; "Laapataa Ladies" (2023), a movie highlighting modern Indian women; "Three of Us" (2022), a film about dealing with early dementia; and "Dangal" (2016), which tells the story of a father struggling to train his daughters to be wrestlers.

These films are expected to provide Korean audiences with a comprehensive view of Indian cinema, ranging from commercial entertainment to thought-provoking art house films.

"By presenting such a diverse program, the festival organizers seek to enhance cultural exchange between Korea and India while fostering a deeper understanding of Indian culture among Korean viewers," the KOFA said.