April 2026 – Article by Jason Verney🎗             

This Mini Mini Movie online publication and I (filmmaker, podcaster and journalist, Jason Verney) have been advocates for Jeonju International Film Festival (JIFF) in South Korea – and all the great things it does – for more than a decade and although I missed attending their 2025 edition, their 2024 festival really showed me that they are doing so well and that their heart is in the right place.

Here are a couple articles regarding JIFF that year:

JIFF: “Korean Competition” Strand + Female Narrative Films (Jeonju International Film Festival)

The 25th Jeonju International Film Festival (incl. 6 Films for SEWOL 10th Anniversary)

Well…

It’s now 2026 and although there has already been some big, bad, sad and heavy news about one of Korea’s acting icons – and one with whom I had the privilege of meeting and INTERVIEWING before – it’s brilliant that the Jeonju International Film Festival are honouring that certain legend, Mr Ann Sung-ki and indeed some cool films he was in [Read On]…

I’m now delighted to announce that I’m back on track with regard to attending JIFF.  In fact, I’m sitting in a café in South Korea at the moment and planning a screening of my OWN which is happening further South in April 2026.  

“What’s that?”, you ask… Well, it’s my 70-minute, ‘ten tale tribute’ film from 2025 which was made with my filmmaker mode switched fully on and of course already being a passionate human/activist for the Sewol ferry cause… and it’s called “SEWOL:  Sealed Eternally With Our Love” & the place its getting a special screening [well, two actually!] is the harbour town of MOKPO and indeed as part of a few days there which commemorate / remember the Sewol Ferry victims and families on this upcoming 12th year anniversary.

In fact, I’ve been based in Seoul and/or Gyeonggi-do area for a few weeks already as three of my video art pieces (one of which is a small slice from that feature documentary) have been on display in Yongsan.

That’s enough about all that though, although in a surreal connection, it does all take me back to the 2024 JIFF as they had 6 films dedicated to that same Sewol Ferry issue – see one of those artciles posted above – and this fact, and others about Jeonju itself were documentated in that aforementioned documentary of mine.

 

So… JIFF 2026…

There’s quite a bit I’m interested in the Jeonju International Film Festival 2026, not least the strand for Ahn Sung-ki’s which has a few of his ‘Memorable Films Yet Rarely Seen’.  

So… here’s some information from the guys at JIFF and their Press / Program area.

Program:

• Korean Cinema Beyond Convention: Reclaiming the Avant-garde Spirit

The Korean film industry now needs a spirit of disruption. Without a shift in mindset, there is little hope of breaking free from the cycle of investing in, producing, and distributing similar films. In response, the JEONJU International Film Festival presents key figures and works of avant-garde cinema that led new global trends throughout the 20th century across various sections. We hope that the spirit of past innovation will awaken the latent energy within contemporary Korean cinema.

1) Special Focus: New York Underground – The Mavericks

American society in the 1960s and 70s was undergoing major upheaval, shaped by the anti-Vietnam War movement and the civil rights movement. During this period, artists in New York led new experiments and revolutions through underground cinema, reflecting broader socio-political changes, film culture, and modes of artistic representation. This section is a curated showcase centered on three key figures of the New York underground—Robert Downey Sr., Jack Smith, and Carolee Schneemann. Several works by Robert Downey Sr., father of actor Robert Downey Jr., as well as films by Jack Smith and Carolee Schneemann, will be screened in Korea for the first time and are expected to be warmly received by audiences familiar with today’s hybrid media environment.

2) Back to Hong Kong: Cinema + Avant-garde & Guest Cinephile: Pere Portabella

Cinephile JEONJU presents films that subvert genre conventions with radical styles, and marking the 100th birthday of Pere Portabella, often credited with reinventing Spanish cinema, introduces both his produced and directed works (experimental films, performances, and documentaries) through the Guest Cinephile section. It also highlights independent art films from Hong Kong that have remained outside the mainstream industry dominated by martial arts and action comedies. At times through their subjects and themes, and at other times through their modes of production, these films reveal singular cinematic expressions shaped by the filmmaker’s vision.

• Special Focus: Ahn Sung-ki’s Memorable Films Yet Rarely Seen

Special Focus: Ahn Sung-ki’s Memorable Films Yet Rarely Seen presents a renewed look at the work of actor Ahn Sung-ki, who passed away earlier this year. Widely loved as a “national actor,” he appeared in many beloved films, while also willingly participating in numerous independent and art films, embracing new challenges in Korean cinema. From his appearance in a Japanese film shortly after Korea’s liberation, to him starring in Korea–Poland co-productions, taking on unconventional roles, and working pro bono for independent films, this program honors Ahn Sung-ki’s lifelong spirit of challenge that elevated the dignity of cinema.

• New Section: Possible Cinemas

First introduced last year as a special program, Possible Cinemas showcased filmmakers who prioritize filmmaking even under limited conditions. Their diverse practices, grounded in personal vision, offered new perspectives on what cinema can be. Following strong audience response, including a sold-out publication within seven months, Possible Cinemas is now established as a permanent section to further emphasize the values pursued by the JEONJU International Film Festival. Borrowing the words, “Even if the world were to end tomorrow, I would still plant an apple tree today,” the festival supports those who pursue Possible Cinemas without losing hope, connecting the essential values of life and film even in times of uncertainty.

• Mini Focus: Park Syeyoung, Ugana Kenichi

This Mini Focus featuring Korean director Park Syeyoung and Japanese director Ugana Kenichi shares a similar context with the aforementioned “Possible Cinemas.” Director Park Syeyoung has been building his own cinematic world by working across virtually every form of moving image production, from music videos and commercials to stage visuals and promotional content, ranging from small-scale works to larger productions. His film The Fin (2025), which was invited to the Locarno IFF last year, marks a significant starting point. This program offers a glimpse into his promising future. Meanwhile, Japanese genre filmmaker Ugana Kenichi continues to produce films with tireless energy. Debuting with Ganguro Gals Riot (2016), he has drawn attention across horror and punk genres, gained global recognition with The Gesuidouz (2024) presented at the JEONJU International Film Festival, and notably released as many as four feature films in 2025 alone. This mini focus will provide an opportunity to explore his filmmaking methodology.

• Programmer of the Year

For its 27th edition, J Special: Programmer of the Year spotlights director Byun Young-joo. Starting as a key figure in the feminist film collective Bariteo, she founded her own production company and made The Murmuring – Living as a Woman in Asia (1995), which resonated widely both in Korea and internationally, followed by the documentary trilogy Habitual Sadness 2 (1997) and The Murmuring 3 – My Own Breathing (1999) on former Japanese military “comfort women.” She later directed films such as Ardor (2002), Flying Boys (2004), and Helpless (2012), and has continued her work in television with distinctive series including Death to Snow White (2024) and Mantis: Killer’s Outing (2025). J Special: Programmer of the Year offers an opportunity to explore the cinematic foundation of a filmmaker who has sustained her voice over time as a female director in the Korean film industry.

 

Other Info:

• When Cinema Becomes the City: A Distinctive “Jeonju” Festival Experience

The 27th JEONJU International Film Festival focuses on the essence of the festival, enhancing the density of its program while strengthening a festival experience shaped collectively by audiences and participants within the unique spatial character and atmosphere of the city of Jeonju.

A variety of audience-participatory events and promotional booths will be set up around Film Street, creating a festive atmosphere that can only be experienced during the festival. In addition, through programs utilizing cultural spaces across Jeonju, audiences will be able to naturally experience the city alongside the festival.

Collaborating with global IPs, the festival will present exhibitions and participatory programs, offering festival content that multiple generations can enjoy together. In doing so, JEONJU IFF aims to broaden its cultural spectrum and invite a wider audience to experience the event.

Furthermore, through JEONJU IFF’s signature exhibition, 100 Films 100 Posters, the festival will offer a cultural experience encompassing film, design, and art. This year, under the theme of “cinema culture,” it will also feature an accompanying exhibition and talks on the role of design in shaping cinematic experiences.

JEONJU IFF’s unique program, Street Screening, will take place in distinctive spaces such as the alleys around Film Street and Jeonju Hanok Village, creating a distinctive viewing environment that can only be experienced in Jeonju. This year, an urban camping screening—presented for the first time in collaboration with a sportswear brand—will also offer a unique experience during the festival.

• Creating a Festival Environment for All Participants

JEONJU IFF is continuously improving its operational environment to ensure a more comfortable experience for all festivalgoers. By considering the overall experience of audiences, guests, and the press, the festival aims for more efficient and stable operations.

As part of its ESG initiatives, the festival will expand eco-friendly merchandise and introduce operational methods that prioritize reuse and circulation, thereby strengthening a sustainable festival model. It also plans to reorganize event spaces along Film Street based on audience flow and improve shuttle bus routes to enhance convenience and accessibility.

JEONJU IFF is taking the lead in expanding access to film culture by supporting the production of barrier-free films and broadening screening accessibility. This year, it will continue to create an integrated viewing environment where both disabled and non-disabled audiences can enjoy films together, programming a total of 15 barrier-free titles and expanding the production of guide videos.

Guest services will also be enhanced for greater convenience. The festival plans to extend the operating hours of the Guest Center and develop an invitation management application to establish a more systematic management system. In addition, it will offer guest programs featuring Jeonju’s culinary and local culture, allowing guests to remember the city alongside the festival.

The press environment will also be improved. The festival plans to enhance on-site reporting conditions within screening venues and extend the operating hours of the Press Center to provide more stable support for domestic and international media coverage.

• A Festival Growing Together with the Region

JEONJU IFF seeks to build a stable operational foundation based on cooperation with the local community and to develop as a festival that grows together with the region.

The festival plans to continuously strengthen industry-academic cooperation with local universities and institutions, connecting the cultivation of regional talent with festival operations experience, and to expand collaboration with local film and media organizations to broaden participation opportunities for local filmmakers. Through these efforts, JEONJU IFF aims to strengthen its connection with local cultural infrastructure and further expand its social role.

Cooperation with local partner businesses will focus not simply on expanding partnerships, but on events and promotions that reflect the characteristics of each business. 

Through collaboration with various sectors such as restaurants, cafés, and retail stores, the festival aims to provide practical benefits to audiences and establish a foundation that can later be expanded into a paid partnership model.

• Enhancing Operational Efficiency

The 27th JEONJU IFF seeks to strengthen its budget management system to enhance operational efficiency and establish a more stable foundation for the festival.

The festival will minimize consumable expenses and reduce redundant resource allocation through the shared use of equipment and facilities. In addition, it plans to reallocate its budget around core projects and, rather than relying on outsourced services and event-based spending, expand in-house implementation by leveraging internal capabilities to strengthen organizational efficiency and execution.

At the same time, the festival aims to build a sustainable financial structure by diversifying private sponsorship and support programs and expanding external funding through joint projects with local content companies and institutions, as well as in coordination with central and local government grant programs.

Thanks for reading this…