[HWPL]

[HWPL] HWPL's Film Screening Event in Korea

Chairman ManHee Lee is the head representative of the global peace organization HWPL (Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light), which is striving for the enactment and implementation of the international peace law 'Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW)'. The  DPCW is a legal instrument comprised of 10 articles and 38 clauses that can end wars and hostilities throughout the world. HWPL is also spreading a culture of peace and implementing peace education.

Chairman ManHee Lee experienced the cruelty and tragedy of war as a veteran of the Korean War. This is one of the reasons why he founded a global peace campaign as the head of HWPL. He has traveled the globe more than 35 times to meet and persuade politicians, legal experts, journalists, professors, peace activists, civil organization leaders, heads of tribes and others to unite them for the work of peace. The significant fruits borne out of his hard work are the World Alliance of Religions' Peace (WARP) Summit and HWPL Peace Committee. The DPCW was drafted and finalised by the HWPL Peace Committee.

How, you may wonder, do I know this? About 10 years ago, when I had just been discharged from military service, I came to know HWPL and Chairman ManHee Lee while researching the topic of civil conflicts to satisfy my curiosity in ongoing global issues. At that time, the island of Mindanao in the Philippines was suffering from a major civil conflict that lasted more than 40 years, and Chairman ManHee Lee and HWPL resolved this conflict through non-violent means.

Chairman Lee brought an end to the conflict in Mindanao by holding a peace talk between the warring Catholic and Islamic groups. Before the talk, HWPL and Chairman ManHee Lee held a Peace Walk to spread the culture of peace in Mindanao with the many locals who had gathered out of a desire for peace.

Chairman ManHee Lee's pressing appeal today is that humanity unites for sustainable peace in order to pass on the legacy of peace to future generations worldwide. He doesn't just talk peace, but has worked tirelessly for it through practical peace campaigns for over a decade.

I decided to become a supporter of HWPL and Chairman ManHee Lee's peace initiatives because I also desire a world of peace for all posterity.

Today I'd like to introduce an article regarding HWPL's film screening of A Film About Ethnicity, Dreaming of Unity :)

A Film About Ethnicity, Dreaming of Unity

On March 24, Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) Global Branch 11 hosted A Film About Ethnicity, Dreaming of Unity at the Myeongseong Arts & Culture Center in Jung-gu, Seoul. This event was part of Connecting the Nation, a flagship initiative under the broader Together: Connecting Korea campaign, aimed at exploring the role of culture—particularly cinema—in fostering national unification and social cohesion.

The event began with a screening of the short animation War is Over, setting the tone for an evening focused on dialogue and reflection. Following the screening, senior filmmakers and members of the Peace Practice Committee engaged in an open forum discussing the potential of film to serve as a catalyst for peace, as well as the creative directions filmmakers should pursue in light of the evolving landscape of inter-Korean relations.

Lee Kyung-yoon, President of the Senior Filmmakers Association, highlighted the significance of film in Korean cultural history, stating, “The advent of cinema in 1886 marked a revolutionary leap for humanity, and Korean culture has since flourished alongside it. Our films have never been made in vain. I encourage everyone to continue supporting and cherishing Korean cinema.”

Song, Chairman of the Peace Practice Committee, emphasized the role of film as a medium of remembrance and hope, remarking, “Cinema is a mirror of the times and a powerful art form that moves hearts. Korean films have chronicled the pain of war and division, while also embodying the sorrow and hopes of each generation. In today’s reality, where division is too often taken for granted and the memory of conflict fades, film must bridge empathy across generations. Remembering the past while envisioning the future—this is the indispensable role of cinema. I hope today’s discussions will plant seeds of peace for the generations to come.”

Kim Da-hae, Director of HWPL Global Branch 11, affirmed HWPL’s commitment to continued civic engagement, stating, “Reunification remains a shared dream, but our senior filmmakers—who have lived through times of hardship and hope—are uniquely equipped to guide us. We will continue expanding the Together campaign, ensuring more voices join this movement for peace.”

Together: Connecting Korea is a nationwide, citizen-led campaign promoting sustainable social integration across generations, regions, genders, and ideologies. Through volunteerism, awareness campaigns, and dialogue initiatives, the campaign seeks to lay the groundwork for a peaceful and unified Korean Peninsula.

HWPL Official Homepage

https://www.hwpl.kr/language/en/home-hwpl-_en/