영화제작교육을 위한 장편영화 주제 변화 양태 분석: 영화진흥위원회 독립장편영화 제작지원작을 중심으로

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine how the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced the direction of film production and to explore how these environmental changes can be integrated into film production education. The research methodology involves analyzing works selected for the Korean Film Council's Independent Film Production Support Project from 2018 to 2021, focusing on the narrative structure and thematic shifts before and after the onset of the pandemic. The analysis reveals that most films produced before the COVID-19 period directly addressed a wide range of complex social issues, such as family dynamics, labor struggles, and the pursuit of personal aspirations, thereby offering audiences insights into cultural characteristics and broader human experiences. In contrast, films produced during the pandemic exhibited distinct trends, diverging from those of the pre-pandemic era. These works increasingly focused on introspective and psychological themes, exploring the effects of social isolation, the fragility of human relationships, and the challenges of adaptation and survival in a society increasingly dependent on digital communication. This shift in thematic focus can be understood as a cultural response to the pandemic, reflecting the active engagement of independent filmmakers with social issues and their projection of universal concerns that resonate with audiences. The study concludes that the conditions of social distancing during the pandemic have significant implications for the selection of themes and content in films. Notably, the constrained production environment, characterized by limited settings and smaller casts, has led to a predominant focus on themes of inner exploration through interpersonal conflict, rather than broader conflicts responding to external forces. The significance of this study lies in its emphasis on the critical role of independent films in capturing and reflecting the psychological state of individuals in response to major environmental changes and crises such as COVID-19. Furthermore, it aims to contribute to the development of both the film industry and film production education by providing valuable insights into how filmmakers can address various social issues in a rapidly changing production environment, and by offering guidance on how to incorporate these insights into the direction of film production education.