A Korean film festival will open in New York this week to offer insight into contemporary Korean cinema to movie goers in the city, the event’s local sponsors said Tuesday.

Twelve select films ranging from works by Korean film pioneer, late director Shin Sang-ok to the latest film by the world-acclaimed director Hong Sang-soo will be screened for the film festival at the Modern Art Museum (MoMA) on Sept. 19-30, Hyundai Card, an affiliate of Hyundai Motor Group, said in a release.

Co-hosted by MoMA and the Korea Society, a private organization dedicated to the promotion of understanding and cooperation between the allies, the festival will be held under the title “Yeonghwa: Korean Film Today,” the company said.

“Yeonghwa is the Korean word for film, and since South Korean cinema now features prominently in every major international film festival, it is a good word for cineastes to know,” MoMA said on its website.

Among the films to be shown are “Mayumi: Virgin Terrorist” (1990) and “My Mother and Her Guest” (1961) by director Shin Sang-ok, “Helpless” (2012) directed by Byun Young-joo, “In Another Country” (2012) by Hong Sang-soo, “Stateless Things” (2012) by Kim Hyung-mook, “Poongsan” (2011) by Jeon Jal-hong and “Pink” (2011) by Jeon Soo-il.

Those films are available with English subtitles at The Roy and Niuta Titus Theater 1 and 2 within the art museum. Those who hold tickets to the museum can see films free of charge. (Yonhap News)