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

Titled 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,” and 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.

Promotional poster for the 2015 Chungmuro International Musical Film Festival (Chungmu Art Hall)

Prior to CHIMFF’s official launch in 2016, a pre-festival event will take place on 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, 1 1/2 hours prior to the show timings. A maximum of two tickets will be available per person.

Schedules and further details are listed at www.facebook.com/chmiff.

By Rumy Doo (bigbird@heraldcorp.com)