Korean coming-of-age comedy Like a Virgin was officially invited to the Generation 14-Plus Section of the 57th Berlin International Film Festival, slated to open February 8th, 2007. 

Like a Virgin was invited to the prestigious festival because of its appeal to adolescent moviegoers, who will comprise the jury for the Generation 14-Plus Section.  Berlinale programmers announced the selection Dec. 14th, saying the film shared a common theme with other films in the program, in which young people tackle the challenges in their daily lives by employing art in a creative way.

Released locally in August of this year, Like a Virgin is about a tubby high school boy who decides to compete in a traditional Korean wrestling competition to earn money for a transgender operation. 

The film recently won Best Screenplay at the 27th Blue Dragon Awards, Korea's year-end film awards ceremony.  It also grabbed a Best New Director award, shared by feature debut-duo LEE Hae-young and LEE Hae-jun. 

Films in the Generation 14-Plus section will compete to win the coveted the Crystal Bear Prize.  The 57th Berlinale will showcase a number of other Korean films, such as HONG Sang-soo's Woman on the Beach and E. J-yong's Dasepo Naughty Girls in the Panorama section, and director LEE Yoon-ki's Ad Lib Night in the Young Forum section.  A complete list of the official selection has not yet been announced.

Nigel D'Sa  (KOFIC)