Cover Photo Credit: visitbusan
Film awards and film festivals are always proof of a good film, a noble title for filmmakers. As a leading country in the field of filmmaking, Korea has many renowned film festivals both domestically and internationally. In this article, let’s look at 7 best film festivals in Korea.
1. Busan International Film Festival
Busan International Film Festival is an annual film festival held in Busan, South Korea to attract the attention of new films and potential directors from Asian countries. The first Busan International Film Festival took place in September 1996.
Some of the awards presented at the Busan International Film Festival are the New Currents Award, the Sonje Award, the BIFF Mecenat Award, the Asian Filmmaker of the Year. The two best feature films by Asian directors in the New Currents section received the New Flow award. The winners also receive $30,000, as of 2015. The Sonje Award and $10,000 are given to the best Asian short film, and the BIFF Mecenat and $10,000 are awarded to the best Asian documentary. The Asian Filmmaker of the Year is granted to the Asian filmmaker who has made the most significant contribution to the advancement of Asian film industry and culture throughout the year.
Period: 5-14 October 2022
Website: https://www.biff.kr/eng/
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2. Jeonju International Film Festival
The Jeonju International Film Festival is a combination of excitement and arts in the world of cinema that takes place in the Jeonju area. It takes place over 10 days with a festive atmosphere and various genres of movies. In 2022, they even include a metaverse version of Jeonju International Film Festival on ZEPETO’s CGV World Map. There are five short films screened on this platform: Vacation Event, Without You, Training Session, Maria&Beyonce and A Blue Giant. Jeonju International Film Festival has many sections for awards: international competition, Korean competition, Korean competition for shorts, special award.
Period: 28 April - 7 May, 2022
Website: https://eng.jeonjufest.kr/
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3. Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival
Bucheon International Fantasy Film Festival (BIFAN), the largest annual fantasy event in South Korea included some live activities this year, including a red carpet event. The 26th BIFAN (2022) took place both online and offline from July 7-17 in Bucheon city (Gyeonggi province), west of Seoul. Born in 1997, BIFAN is considered the symbol of Bucheon and is a film festival specializing in the fantasy genre, attracting many people working in the field of cinema as well as fans of the 7th art - filmmaking. This year's BIFAN theme is "Stay Strange", which is the first screening of 80 films, including 23 movies. All films were shown at five local cinemas, as well as on the Korean streaming platform Wavve.
Period: 07-17 July 2022
Website: http://www.bifan.kr/eng/
4. Seoul Independent Film Festival
Seoul Independent Film Festival is a competition within Korea screening independent films of different genres and styles. In this festival, there are not only film screening sections but there are also workshops and forums for directors and audience to discuss themes, stories, cinematography of the films. There are many different awards included in this film festival: feature competition, short competition, new choice and special awards.
Period: 01-09 December, 2022
Website: https://siff.kr/en/
5. Seoul International Short Film Festival
Seoul International Short Film Festival is a special festival on this list as it is a monthly held online film festival. The founders of this film festival hope to bring more opportunities to young and talented filmmakers who can develop their works significantly with more budget. These filmmakers are more likely to receive support after their films are recognized and appreciated in this film festival. Every month, outstanding achievements for various categories: Best Short Film, Best LGBT Film, Best Experimental Film, In the Name of Women's Rights, Best Animation, Best Student Film, Best First Time Filmmaker, etc.
Period: every month
6. Seoul International Cartoon & Animation Festival
Seoul International Cartoon & Animation Festival is one of the most famous animation festivals in Asia. This festival is held annually, often for one week. There will be hundreds of cartoons and animations screened during this one week. In addition, this festival will include many workshops and meaningful educational activities for all age groups. Many big names in the field of cartoon and animation are also likely to attend this festival.
Period: annual (one week)
Website: https://filmfreeway.com/SICAF
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7. Seoul International Eco Film Festival
Seoul International Eco Film Festival introduces films related to the environmental issues and hopes to raise awareness about the ecological destruction we are facing. The awards are divided into international competition awards (Best Film, Special Jury’s Award, Audience’s Choice) and Korean competition awards (Grand Prize, Excellence Prize, Special Audience Jury Award).
Period: 02-08 June, 2022
Website: https://en.sieff.kr/
Expat Guide Korea writing staff: Ngoc Anh
