July 10-14 at Busan Cinema Center, Yurari Square, and BNK Busan Bank Motungi Theater
113 Films from 34 Countries to Be Screened, Opening Film: Echoes of the Stars by Director Patrick Boivin
The 19th Busan International Kids and Youth Film Festival, a film culture festival for children and youth who are the protagonists of the future generation, will be held from July 10 to 14.
The festival will take place over five days from the 10th at Busan Cinema Center, Yurari Square, and BNK Busan Bank Art Cinema Motungi Theater (located in Jung-gu).
The event is sponsored by Busan Metropolitan City and organized by the Busan International Kids and Youth Film Festival.
During the festival, a total of 113 films (30 feature films and 83 short films) from 34 countries will be screened, with 80 of them making their domestic premiere.
Compared to last year's lineup (163 films, 124 premieres), the proportion of premieres has increased, resulting in a denser lineup of new works. This year's selection features more films than ever that portray the diverse pains and experiences of growing up.
The opening film is "Echo to the Star," directed by Patrick Boivin, who has been invited to prestigious international film festivals. This film will meet Korean audiences for the first time at this festival.
The movie tells the story of adventure and growth that unfolds after a sudden accident befalls young siblings, depicting their journey of accepting loss and mourning.
An actor from the film is scheduled to attend the opening ceremony and add to the event's significance.
This year, in particular, a variety of new programs will be introduced and operated, such as the "BIKY Class," which offers in-depth discussions on "BIKY Classic" screenings, the "BIKY Forum," and "Special Class." The highly engaging "BIKY Playground" will also be operated to provide audiences with a diverse array of enjoyable experiences.
Inside the theater, special program events such as "BIKY Classic," a newly established retrospective of directors who have set milestones in children's and youth cinema, and "BIKY Class," which includes post-screening discussions, will be expanded. This will offer opportunities for deeper conversations beyond simply watching the films.
Outside the theater, visitors can enjoy the "BIKY Playground," featuring engaging experience booths and food trucks.
The opening ceremony of this year's festival will be held at 6 p.m. on the 10th at the Haneul Theater in Busan Cinema Center.
Over 500 people, including Mayor Park Hyungjoon, Superintendent Ha Yoonsoo, film industry professionals, and citizens, are expected to attend.
The event will proceed in the following order: a congratulatory performance by "Mog Trio," an introduction to the film festival, introduction of the jury, introduction and declaration of the opening film, and the screening of the opening film "Echo to the Star."
Mayor Park Hyungjoon stated, "Under the slogan 'It's Okay to Be Different,' I hope this five-day festival will provide an opportunity for children and youth from around the world to recognize each other's differences, broaden their perspectives on people and the world, and take a step toward greater growth. I especially hope that all children, youth, and parents who visit the festival will enjoy themselves and create precious summer memories together."
Detailed information about the festival, including the lineup and timetable, can be found on the official website of the Busan International Kids and Youth Film Festival. Tickets for screenings can be reserved through the Busan Cinema Center website, the application, or on-site. For further inquiries, please contact the festival’s secretariat.
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