The Seoul Independent Film Festival is pouring its efforts into revitalizing the independent film creative ecosystem based on ongoing support and solidarity from filmmakers and corporate partners.
Director Yeon Sang-ho has consistently supported the Seoul Independent Film Festival since 2023 and has recently contributed to expanding the creative environment by stepping up to produce low-budget independent films such as "The Ugly" and "Paradise Lost."
Film production company Filmmaker R&K (CEO Kang Hye-jung) established the "Filmmaker R&K Award" in 2025, while actors Youn Yuh-jung, Jung Yu-mi, and Byeon Wooseok (who has been supporting short film production since 2025), alongside Noon Company (CEO Sung Hyun-soo, sponsoring since 2024), are also joining in the support for independent cinema.
Corporate partnerships also continue. CJ CGV has long been a sponsoring partner, and this year, Nike and Netflix have newly joined in supporting the event.
Following the confirmation in 2025 that government support funding would be restored, the Seoul Independent Film Festival has continued its efforts to repay the encouragement of creators and audiences by increasing festival prize money and expanding screening scale.
A representative for the Seoul Independent Film Festival emphasized, "A sustainable creative ecosystem for independent films cannot be achieved solely through public support. Multi-layered solidarity in which creators, filmmakers, corporations, and audiences take interest and participate together is more important than anything else."
The 52nd festival will be held for 10 days from Wednesday, November 25 to Friday, December 4 at CGV Apgujeong and CGV Cheongdam Cinecity.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)