In a bid to reignite the local independent film scene following the annual Sundance Film Festival, Park City Film is set to resume its weekend screenings with the dark comedy "No Other Choice," directed by renowned filmmaker Park Chan-wook. The film will be showcased from Friday to Sunday at the Jim Santy Auditorium located in the Park City Library. This initiative marks a significant step for the arthouse nonprofit as it strives to sustain the spirit of independent cinema in the community. Katharine Wang, the Executive Director of Park City Film, expressed her excitement about the upcoming screening. She described the film as a compelling narrative centered around a manager in a paper factory who faces the harsh realities of job loss and the lengths he will go to in order to reclaim his professional standing. "It’s a dark comedy and hilarious, and Park Chan-wook is such a master of filmmaking and dark comedy," Wang said. Those familiar with Chan-wook’s previous works, such as the critically acclaimed "Oldboy," can expect a similarly intricate and engaging storyline. The film is an adaptation of Donald E. Westlake’s 1997 horror novel, "THE AX," and it explores themes that resonate in today’s context, particularly the impact of automation in the workforce. Wang noted the timeliness of the film, stating, "So you think about this story that was written 20 years ago, and now the current conversation is about artificial intelligence, the fear and concern of how it’s going to replace people’s jobs." This relevance makes "No Other Choice" not only a timely piece but also a timeless narrative that sparks significant discourse around employment and technology in the entertainment industry. In addition to its thematic depth, the film offers audiences a window into Asian culture, particularly Korean culture, which has increasingly gained prominence in American media through various forms, from streaming series to K-pop music. Wang highlighted the trajectory of Korean cinema in recent years, particularly since the release of Bong Joon-ho’s "Parasite," which won multiple Oscars in 2019. "I feel like the brilliance of some of these Korean-language films and stories that we’ve seen over the previous couple of years is that it’s so specific to a place and a culture," she said, emphasizing the cultural significance of the narrative. The protagonist, Man-su, played by Lee Byung-hun, grapples with the societal expectations that come with his job loss. The pressure to maintain his social standing within a highly structured socio-economic environment is palpable and serves as a driving force for his character. Wang elaborated, saying, "To go backward is unimaginable, and it explores what measures he will go to to make sure that never happens.” This psychological depth reflects broader societal issues surrounding job security and identity in a rapidly changing world. After its premiere at the Venice International Film Festival in August, Wang had the opportunity to view "No Other Choice" at the Toronto Film Festival in September. She remarked, "It was the talk of the festival for good reason. (Chan-wook) is such a master of storytelling and he is willing to embrace the darkness, the underbelly of humanity, with humor." The director’s meticulous attention to detail and artistry in cinematography further enhances the film’s narrative. Wang explained that Chan-wook had been developing this film for over two decades, initially intending to create it as his first English-language project. However, various hurdles prevented that version from materializing, allowing him to return to Korea and bring the film to life in a more organic context. As Park City Film resumes its programming post-Sundance, Wang emphasized the importance of international films in providing cultural reflections. "The joy and beauty of international films is you can look at something from another culture and see reflections here at home, and the universality of it — the common bounds of humanity (that show) we are not so different than we sometimes think," she stated. This sentiment underscores the mission of Park City Film: to foster a vibrant community of film enthusiasts and support the ongoing existence of independent cinema. In addition to the screenings, "No Other Choice" has been selected as the second film for Park City Film’s Film Lovers Club, which encourages discussions about the films shown. The club launched recently with Yorgos Lanthimos’s "Bugonia," featuring Emma Stone. Wang noted that attendees can register for free when purchasing tickets and are limited to 20 participants for a more intimate conversation. The upcoming screenings of "No Other Choice" are scheduled as follows: - When: 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 6 p.m. Sunday - Where: Park City Library’s Jim Santy Auditorium, 1255 Park Ave. - Cost: $8 for general admission; $7 for students and senior citizens - Web: parkcityfilm.org As the curtain rises on a new season of independent film, Park City Film aims to remind audiences that while Sundance has concluded, the spirit of independent cinema remains vibrant and essential in the community. Wang concluded, "As we bid farewell to the Sundance Film Festival, we want to remind folks that independent film is still alive and well and will continue to thrive in our community. They just have to come see it."