The documentary film 'FOREVER WE ARE YOUNG,' which deeply analyzes the fandom 'ARMY' of the '21st Century Pop Icon' BTS, will be premiered worldwide at the South by Southwest Film Festival 2025 on the 10th (local time).
This documentary, featuring ARMY (ARMY; fandom name), has been selected for screening in the '24 Beats Per Second' institutional sector at the South by Southwest Film Festival, evaluated as the largest entertainment festival in North America and at the forefront of pop culture. It showcases ARMY, which has established itself as a group that positively influences society and an unprecedented cultural phenomenon beyond a simple fandom.
Co-director and professor in the Department of Communication at the University of California, San Diego, Patty Ahn noted, "BTS delivered the messages of Loving yourself, Valuing friendship, Speaking your truth through their music, and ARMY created a new fandom culture rooted in consideration, community, humor, and joy." He explained, "This cultural phenomenon has not existed before. ARMY has changed our thinking about culture."
In a world where division and disconnection are incessant, the activities of ARMY, which have become symbols of hope and unity, are a noteworthy point. Their collective appearance, transcending gender, race, age, nationality, language, and religion, is expected to provide deep inspiration to the audience. Grace Lee, another director of this documentary and a recipient of the Peabody Awards, often referred to as the 'Pulitzer Prize of broadcasting,' analyzed, "ARMY embodies the values that BTS shares through music." He stated, "People from diverse backgrounds gather under the name 'ARMY,' covering BTS's dances and communicating with each other, providing mutual support. The film captures their diversity, values, and the power of the group."
'FOREVER WE ARE YOUNG,' produced over approximately three years, traveled across the globe, including Seoul, Los Angeles, Texas, and Mexico City. This documentary is a tribute to all who love BTS and is expected to serve as a love letter offering solace and inspiration to ARMY worldwide.
[Photo provided by Big Hit Music.]
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