Artist Kim Gyu-na (left) and artist Jeong Kwang-je held a talk show titled "Movies Ask, Books Answer" on the second day of the Lumper International Film Festival, on the 19th, at the Seoul Film Center in Chungmuro, Seoul, following the screening of the film 'Agenda'. [Photo by Artist Yoon Sang-gu]"Antonio Gramsci was a left-wing revolutionary, but he was the person who most sharply analyzed the essence of modern cultural power. He believed that power in modern society did not solely stem from laws and the military. He argued that cultural domains such as schools, media, art, public spaces, and memorial sites shape people's emotions and common sense, ultimately determining political direction. He called this hegemony." - From Jeong Kwang-je's "A Liberal's Reading of Gramsci"

On the 19th, the second day of the Lumper International Film Festival, a talk show titled "Movies Ask, Books Answer" featuring artists Jeong Kwang-je and Kim Gyu-na was held at the Seoul Film Center in Chungmuro, Seoul, after the screening of the film 'Agenda'.

Jeong Kwang-je stated, "The documentary 'Agenda: Grinding America Down,' released in 2010, was a work that made many people consciously aware for the first time of the power of culture operating behind the scenes, rather than the politics in front of our eyes." He introduced it as a film that offers clues as to why American society has continued to move leftward even after the end of the Cold War.

Artist Kim Gyu-na noted, "Director Curtis Bowers attributes this cause not to politics, but to culture. He explained that communist revolutions that failed with guns and tanks have expanded their long-term influence through education, media, art, popular culture, and civic groups."

Indeed, looking at modern society, elections are held every few years, while education happens daily. Laws are made by the National Assembly, but values are formed through schools and the media. Even with changes in government, textbooks, broadcasts, and universities continue to influence people for a much longer period.

While people consider politics to be the concern of the National Assembly and the president, the film 'Agenda' argues that culture precedes politics, common sense precedes culture, and the side that controls common sense ultimately drives society.

Meanwhile, at 7 p.m. on Saturday, the classic human rights film 'The Killing Fields' will be screened, and on the 21st, screenings will be held for notable films such as 'The Rise of the Great Emperor' and 'Why Did the Cartel?' The Lumper International Film Festival continues until Tuesday, the 23rd. Monday is a day off.

By Reporter Lim Yo-hee