Jeonju Prepares For 26th International Film Festival

Jeonju City is ramping up preparations for the 26th Jeonju International Film Festival, set to take place from April 30 to May 9, 2025. The festival, which is a prominent cultural event in South Korea, aims to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees.

With the festival expected to draw large crowds, city officials are implementing a comprehensive plan to minimize inconveniences for both citizens and tourists visiting the popular Gosa-dong Movie Street and surrounding areas. Measures include intensive safety inspections, crackdowns on illegal parking, maintenance of movie streets, cleanliness initiatives, and the removal of illegal advertising materials.

The Jeonju International Film Festival Organizing Committee and the Jeonbuk Provincial Police Agency are collaborating closely to ensure the festival is as safe as possible. This year, approximately 420 volunteers, selected last month, will actively assist in facilitating a smooth and enjoyable event for all festival-goers.

Under the slogan "We Always Cross the Line," the festival will showcase a total of 224 films from 57 countries, highlighting the diverse talents within the global film community. The opening ceremony will be held at the Jeonju Korean Sound Culture Hall, while the closing ceremony is scheduled for the Jeonbuk National University Samsung Culture Center.

The opening film for this year’s festival is "Container 25," directed by Lado Kvatania, and the closing film is "From the Land of Machines," directed by Kim Ok-young. These selections promise to set the tone for a festival filled with creativity and innovation.

This year’s festival has already set records, with 1,835 entries submitted for the Korean film competition, and 662 films from 86 countries competing in the international category. This marks the second consecutive year that the festival has broken its own record for the number of Korean film submissions, demonstrating the growing interest and participation in South Korea’s cinematic landscape.

In addition to the film screenings, the festival will feature a special program titled "Canada Focus," which is an exchange initiative between the Jeonju International Film Festival and the Vancouver International Film Festival. This program aims to strengthen cultural ties and promote international collaboration in the arts.

Moreover, the festival will celebrate Australian cinema with a selection of seven films under the theme "Another Australian Film: From the 1980s to the Present." This initiative is part of the 2025 Jeonju World Culture Week and aims to showcase the evolution of Australian filmmaking.

Another exciting addition to this year’s festival is the introduction of the "Jeonju Cinema X Street" program. This initiative will create outdoor screening venues throughout Jeonju, allowing audiences to enjoy films against the backdrop of the city’s stunning nightscape. The program will also include a large-scale "Joseon Pop" performance, adding an interactive element to the film festival experience.

City officials are enthusiastic about the upcoming event. No Eun-young, the Director of the Jeonju Cultural, Sports and Tourism Bureau, expressed her hopes for the festival, stating, "We have prepared a variety of programs and films, and we hope that many visitors and citizens will come together to enjoy this spring film festival."

The festival not only aims to entertain but also seeks to foster a sense of community and cultural appreciation among attendees. As the event approaches, anticipation builds for what promises to be a remarkable celebration of film and creativity.

In summary, the 26th Jeonju International Film Festival is set to be an extraordinary event, showcasing a wide array of films and cultural programs while ensuring the safety and comfort of all participants. With its impressive lineup and community-focused initiatives, the festival is poised to make a significant impact on the local and international film landscape.