50th Seoul Independent Film Festival Sets Sail... Opening with 'Baek Hyunjin Show: The End of Civilization'

The opening film of the 50th Seoul Independent Film Festival, "Baek Hyunjin Show: The End of Civilization," director Park Kyung-geun and actor Baek Hyunjin are sharing their thoughts on being selected as the opening film. Provided by Seoul Independent Film Festival

Film directors Ryu Seung-wan, Yang Ik-jun, Oh Jung-min, and actor Hong Kyung have all passed through the Seoul Independent Film Festival, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. The festival opens on the 28th of this month and runs until the 6th of next month, taking place around Seoul CGV Apgujeong and Cheongdam Cine City. This year, the number of submissions increased by 300 from last year, totaling 1,704 entries (1,505 shorts and 199 feature films), with 147 films being screened. The opening film is "Baek Hyun-jin Show: The End of Civilization," produced by actor Baek Hyun-jin and directed by Park Kyung-geun. Awards will be given in 18 categories across 16 divisions, with a total prize money of 88 million KRW.

Kim Dong-hyun, the executive committee chairman, said at a press conference held on the morning of the 5th at Art Nine in Dongjak-gu, Seoul, "A notable feature of this year's program is the archive exhibition," adding, "We will reprocess past films to showcase movies from the past as well."

This year’s international invitation program includes eight films. Executive committee member Kim Young-woo stated, "We carefully selected films that have been recognized at major international film festivals such as Cannes," and added, "This program is prepared for any audience who loves independent film art and can look forward to it with interest."

Attending the Seoul Independent Film Festival 2024 press conference (from left) Kim Dong-hyun, Executive Director of the Seoul Independent Film Festival, actor and director Bang Eun-jin, Kwon Hae-hyo, and Executive Director Kim Young-woo. Courtesy of Seoul Independent Film Festival

The feature film competition jury includes actor and film director Bang Eun-jin, director Kim Dong-won of "Sanggye-dong Olympic" (1988), "Songhwan" (2004), and "My Friend Jung Il-woo" (2017), as well as director Jang Gun-jae of "Midsummer Fantasia" (2014), "Juhee from 5 to 7" (2023), and "Because I Hate Korea" (2024). Director Bang said, "I want to focus on films that are intense and hit the mark," adding, "I will also pay attention to how the film tries to share empathy with the audience."

The 7th edition of the 'Actor Project ? 60-Second Monologue Festival,' aimed at discovering new independent film actors, received 4,856 applications, up from 2,940 last year. Project planner and judge Kwon Hae-hyo said, "I watched all audition videos from over 4,800 applicants more than twice, staying up every night for three weeks," and expressed gratitude, "I thank all the actors who participated." The 24 finalists will perform their 60-second monologues on the 2nd of next month at CGV Cheongdam Cine City.

From next year, due to budget cuts, the festival will have to operate without government support. Chairman Kim said, "The festival has reached this point thanks to the government’s will and efforts to develop Korean cinema. It was possible because of the Korea Film Council’s budget and stable, policy-driven support. We plan to discuss how to sustain the festival going forward."