Founded in 1983, Dolbit is consisted of students with diverse majors in different grades who have interest in film watching and production. Han Woo Lee (’10, French Language and Literature), the current president of Dolbit, introduces numerous events in which Dolbit participates and great pieces of films Dolbit produces with individual members’ sweat and effort throughout the year.

 

▲ A member shooting a film. All photographs provided by Dolbit.

Members of Dolbit begin their semester by preparing a synopsis. They come up with numerous topics or themes, and develop their ideas through thorough discussions. One of the members becomes a screenwriter who also usually plays a role of a film director. Other members take roles as cinematographers, lighting directors, and audio directors, and follow instructions of the chosen film director. Although the preparation goes through long, complex processes and takes some time, the actual shooting lasts only for two to three days as they rent cameras and other necessary equipment.

 

Although Dolbit is a film production club, no prior professional knowledge is required to join the club. Since various types of people ranging from those who simply love watching movies to those who want to pursue their future career in the field of film production, are involved in the club, members do not need to have any prior knowledge in films. Han remarked, "I first joined the club simply because I loved watching movies. I did not participate much in film production itself, but rather in helping and giving members advice." She added, "As a club without many constraint conditions, we do not look for any prior skills or knowledge from members, but rather for their passion and love toward movies."

 

▲ A member handling the audio equipment. All photographs provided by Dolbit.

In order to help enhance their technical skills, Dolbit holds regular study meetings. "Members get to learn step by step how to handle cameras, lighting equipment, and audio equipment," said Han. The club also organizes film appreciation study meetings where it gives members a chance to deeply explore a broad range of movies, and analyze them in various dimensions.

 

One of the most significant events Dolbit holds every year is summer and winter workshops. Two to three teams are organized and each team is asked to produce one short film in each workshop. The same processes are taken during workshop film productions. The only thing that is especially challenging or different from film producing during school periods is that, during workshops, the weather is either extremely hot or cold. Members have to set up equipment and handle them in sweltering days or in extreme coldness. Kim Ki You (’12, Electrical Engineering), a current member of Dolbit said, "Although workshops were physically demanding, after we overcome suchchallenges together, we learn more about each other and begin to experience a strong feeling of belonging and tight bond among members."

 

Every fall semester, Dolbit holds the Dolbit Anam Film Festival at 4.18 Memorial Hall. Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, Dolbit is especially busy in preparing its festival. They usually show a couple of their own short films and one produced by Yonsei University(YU) Film Club, Prometheus. This year, they are planning to show their two short films called The Driving Lesson and Dangerous Company, which won the grand prize and the screenplay prize relatively at the Brilliant Film Festival held by Hyundai Motors. After screening movies, the audience has a special chance to ask directors questions or leave comments about the movies. Kim claimed, "I feel the most satisfied when screening the films and interacting with the audience. We always try to break barriers between producers and audiences, and enhance an active interaction with the audience." The alumni's frequent visit to the festival graces the event even further.

 

Current members of Dolbit also encourage frequent interactions with the alumni, many of those who are engaged in the field of film production. Along with the Dolbit Anam Film Festival, senior members visit pubs during the School Festival: Ipselenti "Jiya Hamsung" (Roar of Wisdom and Wildness) and year-end parties. Current members have a valuable opportunity to learn and ask for a piece of advice from experienced professionals.

 

Dolbit maintains frequent meetings and interactions with film clubs from other universities as well. Being part of the Korea University Film Club Assocation (KUFCA), Dolbit allows its members to study various genres of movies produced by people with different stories and environments.

 

Dolbit’s passion toward films continues even during their Membership Training (MT). Unlike many other clubs that seek entertainment through games and alcohol, members of Dolbit gather and make a short film. For instance, they prepare four boxes with a piece of paper that has genre of movies written down. After picking one genre, the members soon begin to design short clips. Han explained, "We once made a short horror movie during our MT; it was an unforgettable night I had with my peers. It was a valuable experience in that I was able to spend memorable time with people who share the same interest and passion."

 

Such dynamic, fulfilling events lead many members in Dolbit to be part of the club for numerous semesters. "There are some fellow students who joined the club in the very beginning of their first year and stayed till graduation. Male students who have completed their military service and students returning from exchange student programs tend to come back and continue fulfilling their passion and love for movies," claimed Han. You can be the next film director of Dolbit.

 

▲ Dolbit members editing movies at the club room. All photographs provided by Dolbit.

There are currently 25 official members in Dolbit. Any KU student interested in film production is welcome to join. There is no limit in the number of semesters you have to be in Dolbit; there is no official recruiting period. Feel free to visit room 312 at the Student Union Building or contact the president at 010-2207-3555.