Director Kim Ki-duk’s controversial cinematic self-portrait “Arirang” has officially been invited to Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, an annual film fest held in Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic.

The movie, an emotionally raw cinematic account written, directed, and starring Kim, featuring his own perceived failings and traumatic experiences, will be shown in KV IFF’s non-competitive section “Another View.”

A total of 29 films considered to be “revealing unusual artistic approaches” have been selected for the section.

Kim received a coveted sidebar prize ― the Un Certain Regard Prize for best picture ― for the same movie at Cannes International Film Festival in May.

“Arirang,” which was first screened at Cannes, stirred up controversy as Kim, the protagonist of the film, openly poured out his anger and criticism toward his real-life colleagues, Korea’s movie industry and the government.

Kim disappeared from sight after the release of his 2008 film “Dream,” and did not make any money from “Rough Cut” ― another 2008 film in which Kim was writer and producer ― as its distributor went bankrupt.

Two other Korean movies ― “The Day He Arrives” by director Hong Sang-soo and “Enemy at the Dead End” by Owen Cho and Kim Sang-hwa ― have been selected for the same section at the festival.

Regarded as one of the most significant film events in Europe, KV IFF opens in July every year.

By Claire Lee (dyc@heraldcorp.com)