JEDDAH: The South Korean movie “How to Steal a Dog” was a big hit at a screening here recently.

There was thunderous applause after the movie ended at South Korean Consul General Nakyoung Oh’s spacious residence at the Jeddah Corniche.

The movie was screened as part of the ongoing Asian Film Festival organized by the Asian Consuls General Club (ACGC).

Those in attendance included several diplomats and their spouses, Saudi guests and members of the media.

The film, with English subtitles, was enthralling. The consul general described it as the season’s most touching family drama.

Based on the novel, “How to Steal a Dog,” by Barbara O’Connor, the film is about a young girl (Lee Re) whose father goes bankrupt. The girl’s family loses their houses and they don’t have a place to live. One day, the girl sees a flyer offering a reward of $500 for a missing dog. She then sets out to “borrow” dogs from wealthy families to obtain the reward money.

“The film is about her optimism to face life’s struggles,” said the consul general. “In our lives we encounter joys and sorrow, ups and downs of fortunes. This film teaches us the true meaning of life,” he said.

The food on offer was authentic South Korean cuisine, and the pleasant weather, with cool winds blowing across the Red Sea, added to the film’s flavor.

The ACGC film festival is currently in its ninth year. “It is one of the most important cultural platforms in Jeddah and provides an opportunity for people living in the city to share the cultural diversity of Asian countries,” said the consul-general.

Nakyoung Oh thanked the group of South Korean women, led by his wife, Monica, for having dedicated their time to organize the gathering. He praised the efforts of the Indonesian consul general in making the film festival a big success.

Aisha H. of the Korean consulate anchored the event.