MUMBAI: South Korean film Paju, the second directorial venture of South Korean director Park Chan-ok, will open the upcoming Rocarno International Film Festival in Rotterdam.

Paju, which premiered in the Pusan International Film Festival, has been applauded as one of the most outstanding local creations of the year, with it drawing a realistic portrait of modern Korean society through the eyes of a young woman.

Director Park won the Tiger Award in the 2003 Rotterdam film festival for her debut film Jealousy Is My Middle Name that was well-received internationally.

The film becomes the first Korean film ever to open the Dutch film festival.

The 39th Rotterdam festival will run Jan. 27-Feb. 7 next year in the Netherlands‘ port city.