North Korean actress Han Jong-sim will take part in a film festival held in Italy to promote the movie “Comrade Kim Goes Flying,” U.S.-based news outlet Asia Free Radio reported on Wednesday.

Han reportedly held a signing event in Beijing on Monday before flying to join the Udine Far East Film Festival, one of the biggest film events in Europe to showcase Asian movies.

Han’s participation surprised many, since the visit can be interpreted as the reclusive country’s move to participate in an international event amid heightened political tension. It is very rare for a North Korean artist to attend an overseas event.

“Comrade Kim Goes Flying” is a comedy featuring a North Korean coal miner whose dream is to become a famous trapeze artist in Pyongyang. The aspiring artist, portrayed by Han, exhibits some dynamic acrobatic moves in the movie.

Along with the North Korean film, some 10 South Korean movies including “Namyeong-dong 1985” and “A Werewolf Boy” were also invited to the UFEF, which will run through April 27.

By Park Sui, Intern reporter
(suipark@heraldcorp.com)