Still from Janchi Guksu (Banquet Noodles), 2016, HD video, colour, sound, 4 minutes 18 seconds
Directed, filmed and edited by Ellie Kyungran Heo
Inspired by Suyeon Heo’s words
Participants: MJ House
Janchi guksu is a Korean noodle dish consisting of wheat flour noodles in a light anchovy stock, typically topped with thin strips of beef, eggs and vegetables. The name derives from the Korean word janchi (meaning ‘feast’ or ‘banquet’), as the noodle dish is traditionally eaten on special occasions throughout Korea, such as at weddings and birthday parties. The word guksu means ‘noodles’ in Korean and they symbolise longevity.
The film culminates with a party, the guests eating janchi guksu and wishing one another long lives filled with joy. Meanwhile, the camera pans to those who are no longer experiencing such joy.