JEONJU Intl. Film Festival

[D-★] We will soon be arriving at JEONJU station!

2025-04-25 15:00:00Hits 194

🚅 We will soon be arriving at JEONJU station!

Hello there!
We’re J & Susu, your hosts for the J Letter!

Only 5 days to go until the 26th JEONJU International Film Festival!

How are you feeling? We’re beyond excited to welcome enthusiastic visitors and film lovers from all around.

We've prepared a lineup of exciting updates for this upcoming edition—so stay tuned!

✔️JEONJU Road

✔️ April Updates🎉

✔️ Life In Jeonju by SUSU🌼

✔️ Special Focus: Share Your JEONJU! 😎

✔️ CINÉ ZINÉ🎥

Avril édition, c'est parti!

This month’s edition will be a little different. You may have already planned your schedule for the festival—perhaps exploring various spots and landmarks around Jeonju while enjoying the festivities. However, don’t forget: there are plenty of films you have to see!

Let’s play a game. I’ve hidden some clues about the films that will be screened at the 26th JEONJU IFF throughout this newsletter. You might just have fun discovering them as you read!

Come Together, Right Now—on JEONJU Road!

On Jeonju Film Street, you’ll see the word “JEONJU” everywhere—so I’ve started calling it “JEONJU Road”!

Do you like the Beatles? If you live in this world, chances are you’ve heard their songs at least once in your life—you can’t deny it! Calling their music simply “famous” or “popular” doesn’t quite do it justice. If you know a bit about them, you’ve probably heard of “Beatlemania”! (Frankly speaking, I—Susu—am one of them, too.)

There’s a film about people who are passionate fans of the Beatles. If that sounds interesting to you, check out the link below!

[Masters] TWST - Things We Said Today

Want to discover more films about music and dance? Check out the list below!

[Films about Music / Dance]

The 26th JEONJU IFF: April Updates & Must-See Sections 🎉

Guest Cinephile: Adrian Martin

Where cinephiles gather — Cinephile JEONJU selections and our Guest Cinephile of the Year revealed!
This year’s Guest Cinephile is Australian film critic Adrian Martin. Under the theme “The Other Australian Cinema, 1980s to Now,” Adrian has selected seven Australian films for you to discover.
If you're curious about his selections, click the link below!

[Guest Cinephile: Adrian Martin]

Expanded Cinema:

Focus on Lee Jangwook
At the forefront of innovation and experimentation, the Expanded Cinema section presents Focus on Lee Jangwook! This special program will showcase five films by Director Lee, known for his handcrafted approach to filmmaking.

The lineup includes screenings of his works on 16mm film, as well as a unique two-channel live film performance by the director himself!

[LEE Jangwook Live Film Performance]

Masters Selections

This year's Masters section introduces the works of not just familiar names but also hidden masters. While “hidden masters” sounds like an oxymoron, it represents JEONJU IFF's response to questions about our festival's role and direction in the current era.

Though this accessibility plays a positive role in creating a stable and high-quality film culture, it prompts us to reconsider what a film festival should truly offer. In response, JEONJU IFF aims to discover hidden diamonds, introducing films by exceptional filmmakers who deserve wider recognition in various fields around the world.

If you wanna know more about Masters selections, click the link below!

[Masters]

Expanded Cinema

Expanded Cinema represents the forefront of innovation and experimentation at the JEONJU IFF. With many filmmakers now labeling their work as “experimental,” it often raises the question: what truly defines experimental cinema?

If we simply mean the dictionary definition of attempting new forms and methods, the category becomes incredibly wide-ranging. This section honors the expansive film language cultivated by JEONJU's programmers over the years through the section name and selection of films, showcasing bold, risk-taking works that might feel unfamiliar but communicate powerfully through images and sound alone.

You can find more details below ▼▼▼

[Expanded Cinema]

International Competition

International Competition showcases ten films from directors presenting their first or second features, all making their Asian premieres. Selected through a rigorous process by five international jurors, this year's competition drew 662 submissions from 86 countries—an increase from last year's 83 participating nations. By continent, Asia led with 328 entries, with China contributing the highest number at 91 films.

Notably, documentaries continued their strong showing with over 200 submissions for the second consecutive year, with many being 'personal documentaries' based on directors' individual experiences—likely reflecting the challenging production environment following the COVID-19 pandemic, which underscores the urgent need for support for filmmakers.

Yet, despite these difficulties, we celebrate all directors who submitted their work for their efforts to view and express the world through their unique visual languages.

[International Competition]

Life In Jeonju by SUSU🌼

# A Taste of Horoomon,

Bitter than Wine

A few days ago, I went to a Japanese restaurant to try horoomon-don—grilled offal rice—which is quite popular among my generation. It was absolutely delicious.

But did you know that horoomon wasn’t originally meant to be eaten? The word horoomon comes from the Japanese term for grilled offal, and it's derived from a word meaning “something to be thrown away.” During the Japanese colonial era, some Koreans who had moved to Japan (known as Zainichi Koreans) began collecting discarded animal intestines and grilling them to eat. At the time, the Japanese looked down on them for eating offal—but today, it has become a beloved dish enjoyed by many.

For Zainichi Koreans who have lived in Japan, horoomon carries with it the sorrow and history of their lives. How much time and life have changed—it really makes us reflect.

If you’d like to learn more about the stories of the Zainichi community, check out the link below!

[JEONJU Cinema Project] Horoomon

# Sweet Child O Canada

I love discovering and exploring new things whenever I visit a new city—and for me, Jeonju is a new adventure.

Recently, I went to a Canadian beer house, MACKROCK, with a colleague.

When I was younger, I studied in Canada for a while, and I still remember the taste of poutine.

At the restaurant, they served various flavors of poutine that instantly brought back memories of my time in Canada. Honestly, it was more of a fusion-style poutine, but it was enough to bring back the good old days.

Of course, some of you might already be familiar with Canada and its famous dish, while others may not be. Either way, I highly recommend grabbing a bottle of beer after watching a film at JEONJU IFF—it’s the perfect pairing, haha.

And if you're curious, there are quite a few films by Canadian filmmakers featured this year. Check the link below to explore the list!

[Canada Focus] JEONJU IFF X VIFF

# April Come She Will

I’ve got a new roommate. I met her at a different festival, and after getting to know each other, I found out we actually share a few mutual friends! On top of that, she’s working at JEONJU IFF too. What a small world! Thanks to her, I feel like our home has become brighter than before.

Yesterday, after I got home, she made kimbap and miyeokguk for me. It was so delicious.

Then suddenly, some thoughts came to mind: it’s interesting how life never goes the way I expect. Do you believe in destiny? Do you think that everything is meant to happen, eventually? Like… you suddenly decide to volunteer at a certain festival, and then you meet someone and grow close. And it turns out—she graduated from the same middle school as you. What are the odds?

Destiny believers might say that even if we hadn’t met at that festival, we would’ve met somewhere else eventually—because everything is already written. But then again, does that mean we’re supposed to accept every hardship as something chosen for us by God, or by some greater force? I often find myself caught in this paradox.

Some people, when faced with these overwhelming thoughts, just say, “Chill. Focus on what’s in front of you.” And maybe they’re right. That’s probably how mentally healthy people handle life. But I can’t help it. Just from kimbap and miyeokguk, my mind starts to drift far, far away. Forget it. I’ll just listen to Simon & Garfunkel.

Do you ever have moments like this—where something small stops you in your tracks and makes you think deeply about your own existence?

[Films about Friendship]

# Aussie House

My best friend, Soom, came to visit me in Jeonju. Thanks to her, I discovered a new brunch spot called Haystreet. Did you know there’s an authentic Australian brunch café right here in Jeonju?

It became such a special memory for me—enjoying a lovely Australian breakfast on the terrace, with my best friend, in the warm spring breeze. It truly made me happy. In Korea, we call that kind of moment “healing time.”

Have you had any “healing time” lately? If not, that’s too bad—you deserve to find something that refreshes your daily life.

Before I wrap up, let me recommend a song that always lifts my mood: Don’t Dream It’s Over by Crowded House. Yes—don’t dream it’s over. Always dream of what you truly want.

By the way, there’s a major event happening in Jeonju: Australia Culture Week, a cultural experience in Jeonju’s very own “Little Australia.” If you're interested, check out the link below. It will take place from May 3 (Sat) to May 8 (Thu) throughout Jeonju.

From the Australian Coffee & Dessert Tasting Event to the Bluey book reading by Sam Hammington and an art workshop for children, you can explore a variety of Australian cultural experiences in Jeonju.

And that’s not all—renowned Australian film critic Adrian Martin will be joining us at JEONJU IFF as our Guest Cinephile, along with a special selection of curated films.

He curated Australian films that had rarely been shown before, including works by Corinne Cantrill, Bill Mousoulis, and Margot Nash.

Be sure to check that out too!

[2025 Australia Culture Week]

Special Focus: Share Your JEONJU! 😎

There are professionals who excel at traveling and discovering new things. I believe our press visitors have explored various aspects of Jeonju—sometimes even more than our staff. I brought three members, Marc, Rita, and Lucia, who have participated in past editions of the JEONJU IFF.

Q1. Tell me when did you visit the JEONJU IFF?

Marc: Every year from 2008 to 2023 except 2020.

Rita: the past 2 years

Lucia: 2023

Q2. What was the best experience you had during the festival?

Marc: Satantango Screening

Rita: the night vibe at the networking events

Lucia: The best experience was to see the cinema full of the JEONJU people. I went to see some of the argentinian films, as I was very curious to know how would people so far away from my country react to them, and it was wonderful. Everyone was so attentive, so invested in knowing about the films and the process, about the differences between the countries., It was beautiful to see.

Q3. What were the films that made you impressed or thought of the color of the JEONJU IFF during the festival?

Marc: My favorite Korean film at festival is LAND OF SEONGHYE; also loved seeing A SEPARATION.

Rita: The Sewol series last year; world cinema section never disappointed

Lucia: Concrete Valley, West Indies, There is a Stone, Sobre las nuves.

Q4. Do you have any recommendations or advice for enjoying Jeonju for international guests?

Marc: Enjoy the small town atmosphere and experiment with different screenings

Lucia: Just come with a lot of energy to watch films, walk around the city, meet all the people you can and get involved in all the activities. You will be busy from the morning to the night!!

Q5. As a professional journalist, how do you want to describe the JEONJU IFF?

Marc: Appeals to both cinephiles as well as having a strong domestic indie sensibility

Rita: I found JEONJU IFF the most daring festival in Korea. I trust the selection of local indies and the consistence offered throughout the years. I feel the whole city commits to the event, and so does the festival, building a link between the community and businesses around the city.

Lucia: I think the fact that they don't engage in the premiere battle (the International Competition doesn't have to have international premieres) makes the program something really special. There seems to be more freedom in the way the films are combined, and all the films are very singular and great.

Q6. Additional comments?

Rita: I'd love to find the video room in Jeonju during the festival opened a bit early in the morning.

Lucia: JEONJU IFF is one of my favorite festivals ever!

Founded in 1979 and based in Montreal, 24 images is a French-language magazine that reflects on cinema from both here and abroad, past and present. It bears witness to cinema’s evolution, its diversity, and the relationship it maintains with the society it emerges from—while also observing society through the prism of the films that mirror it.

The magazine features a dedicated section on the Cinémathèque québécoise, offering in-depth interviews with key figures from the institution. It also provides extensive coverage of numerous film festivals, with a particular focus on the Festival International du Film sur l'Art (FIFA), the Rencontres internationales du documentaire de Montréal (RIDM), the Festival du nouveau cinéma de Montréal (FNC), and more.

This edition is also connected to the JEONJU IFF, presented in collaboration with the Embassy of Canada to the Republic of Korea. It offers audiences deeper insight into Canadian cinema. If you're curious about Canadian film—especially Québécois cinema—this is a wonderful opportunity to explore a vibrant and dynamic film culture!

[24 Images]

Débordements is a film magazine founded in Lille in 2012. Its editorial team is a hybrid collective of academics, professionals, and film enthusiasts from Île-de-France, northern France, and Normandy, supported by a reading committee and a council of elders.

The magazine is structured around three key pillars—Critique, Recherche, and Création—fostering dialogue through a wide range of publications:

film (and video game) reviews, research articles, topical commentary, essays, reports, reflective notes, interviews with filmmakers and scholars, previously unpublished translations, and podcasts. Its close attention to cinematic form, representation, and narrative is deeply intertwined with social, political, and economic concerns.

If you're looking for a publication that bridges critical analysis, academic research, and creative expression in cinema,

Débordements offers a rich and multifaceted perspective on the moving image.

[Débordements]