TIFF 2024: Tenderness (With Movie Trailer)
One of the most anticipated films at TIFF 2024, Tenderness by Helen Lee is a 28-minute drama that promises to stir deep emotions and provoke reflection. Set against the backdrop of the tragic 2014 Sewol ferry disaster in South Korea, the film intertwines the private heartbreak of a 16-year-old girl with the wider devastation of a national tragedy.
What’s Tenderness About?
At its core, Tenderness explores how personal crises and larger societal tragedies can collide in unexpected ways. The film introduces us to a 16-year-old protagonist dealing with her own private catastrophe — a difficult journey of self-discovery and personal loss. As she navigates this emotional turbulence, her life becomes intertwined with the much larger tragedy unfolding off the coast of South Korea: the Sewol ferry disaster.
Helen Lee crafts this story with a subtle, empathetic touch, delving into the emotional complexities of youth, grief, and the shared experience of a national trauma. The film’s narrative feels intimate yet expansive, inviting viewers to reflect on how personal pain often mirrors the greater struggles around us.
Why You Should Watch It:
- Emotional Depth: Tenderness packs a powerful emotional punch in just 28 minutes. It masterfully balances the protagonist’s personal journey with a national tragedy, offering a deeply moving experience.
- Cultural and Historical Relevance: The Sewol ferry disaster, a devastating event in South Korea’s recent history, serves as more than just a backdrop. It’s a reminder of how large-scale tragedies impact individual lives and communities in profound ways.
- Stunning Direction: Helen Lee, a Korean-Canadian filmmaker, brings an astute and empathetic perspective to the film. Her direction highlights the nuances of adolescence, grief, and resilience, making Tenderness a thought-provoking watch.
When and Where to Watch:
Catch Tenderness as part of a short film program at TIFF 2024, alongside other compelling works like The Cost of Hugging and La Voix des Sirènes. Here’s where you can watch it:
- Sunday, September 8: Scotiabank Theatre Toronto at 8:35 am
- Wednesday, September 11: Scotiabank Theatre Toronto at 9:15 pm
- Saturday, September 14: Scotiabank Theatre Toronto at 3:45 pm
Don’t miss out on this emotionally resonant short film that expertly weaves together themes of youth, loss, and national tragedy. Tenderness is sure to leave a lasting impression.
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