The Korean Wave has again hit the Philippines, and it will bring more than a monthlong film screening in major cinemas nationwide. Admission is free on a first-come, first-served basis.

The 2017 Korean Film Festival will tour various cities, starting with the premiere screening of “How to Steal a Dog” at SM Megamall Cinema 6 on Sept. 7.

The film revolves around a schoolgirl’s life. Ji-so is forced to live in a mini pizza van with her mom and little brother after her father went bankrupt and left the family homeless.

Taken by desperation to buy a decent house before her birthday; Ji-so, her friend Chae-rang and brother Ji-suk plan to steal an old woman’s dog named Wolly for $500 reward money.

The movie shows how 10-year-old Ji-so braves her young but troubled life. The movie dynamics captures this years theme: “Boldness of Youth.”

Director Kim Seong-ho put the Korean cinematic spell to the movie adaption—from Barbara O’Connor’s novel of the same title—by blending laughter and tears in perfect proportion.

“I read the novel and it was a very beautiful story (to read) to my children. There’s no such family movie in Korea other than Disney movies. I just thought like, we could just combine it with Disney animation, we put some bad guys, some chase scenes, so it would look like a fun environment,” Seong-ho said.

Other films to be screened during the movie caravan include “Twenty,” “My Brilliant Life,” “The King of Jokgu” and “Very Ordinary Couple.”

These films run across the comedy-romance, coming-of-age and family genres. No zombies included.

The 6-city tour will stop by SM City Iloilo, Sept. 21-24; SM City Cebu, Sept. 28-Oct. 1; SM City Clark in Pampanga, Oct. 5-8; SM City Dasmariñas in Cavite, Oct. 12-15.

Visit phil.korean-cultural.org.