A new festival combining musicals and movies is to kick off at Chungmuro, a district in Seoul traditionally known for its concentration of filmmakers and performers, Chungmu Art Hall announced Tuesday.

Titled the Chungmuro International Musical Film Festival, the event will allow participants to view both musicals and musical films -- including theater staples like “The Phantom of the Opera,” the Broadway hit “Jersey Boys,” and classic '70s and '80s flicks such as “Grease” and “Hair Spray.” Also featured will be the Korea-Hong Kong collaboration film “An Exotic Garden,” directed by Jeon Chang-geun.

Prior to CHIMFF’s official launch in 2016, a prefestival event will take place this Aug. 21-24 at Chungmu Art Hall, Dongdaemun Design Plaza and Megabox Dongdaemun Cinema.  

The 12 pieces shown will be divided into eight sections, each exploring different formats in which musicals and films can come together.

The CHIMFF aims to provide an interactive hub of communication between persons involved in both the musical and film industries, and invigorate the cultural infrastructure of Jung-gu, officials said Tuesday at a news conference for the festival’s commencement.

Serving in the festival’s organizing committee are celebrated figures in Korea’s arts industry, including film director Bong Joon-ho, musical producer Song Seung-hwan and actors Jung Sung-hwa, Oh Man-suk and Park Hae-mi.

Tickets are free and will be handed out according to arrival, from 1 1/2 hours prior to each viewing. A maximum of two tickets will be available per person. A number of shows will allow entrance without tickets or for a fee of 18,000 won ($15.50).

Further details can be found at www.facebook.com/chimff.

By Rumy Doo (bigbird@heraldcorp.com)