I, along with 14.1 million Gyeonggi residents, sincerely congratulate you on the opening of the ‘Gyeonggi Film School Festival 2024,’ a celebration of student filmmakers where we can take an early glimpse into the future of the film industry.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the festival, which will be held together with residents inside the beautiful walls of Suwon Hwaseong, a UNESCO World Heritage site. King Jeongjo, known as the “Cultural Monarch,” awakened the autonomy of our culture and blossomed the “Joseon Cultural Renaissance.” I believe that the dreams of student filmmakers nurtured within the historical grounds of Suwon Hwaseong, the starting point of Joseon’s cultural renaissance, will lead to a new leap forward in the film industry.

The Gyeonggi Film School Festival offers new opportunities to all film enthusiasts. It provides creators with a chance to showcase their unique perspectives through creative works and offers audiences the opportunity to experience a new world of cinema beyond conventional norms. Moreover, it will be a significant opportunity for innovation and growth in the global film industry, transcending beyond Korea.

As the “Province of Opportunities,” Gyeonggi Province will continue to support and promote cultural and artistic development in Korea, ensuring more opportunities, fairer opportunities, and better opportunities.

I extend my deepest gratitude to the ‘2024 Gyeonggi Film School Festival Executive Committee,’ the Gyeonggi Film School Association, and the Gyeonggi Content Agency for their hard work in organizing this festival.

I would like to dedicate a line from director Steven Spielberg’s autobiographical film The Fabelmans to the future filmmakers:

I dedicate a line from director Steven Spielberg’s autobiographical film The Fabelmans to future filmmakers, and I passionately support your journey as you confidently walk the red carpet. Thank you.

“Follow your heart. Your life is entirely your own.

Congratulations on the opening of the Gyeonggi Film School Festival 2024, a celebration of the students who will lead the future of Korean cinema.

Through films, we see the world and imagine countless possibilities for something new. Films reflect reality, but they also carry our memories, lives, and dreams for the future. This is why so many people laugh, cry, and find turning points in their lives through movies.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, the Gyeonggi Film School Festival is now in its vibrant ‘youth,’ brimming with energy and growth. Once again, this festival speaks to us with the perspectives and voices of youth. While their expressions may sometimes be rough and unrefined, the spirit of ‘creation, challenge, and communication’ within them will become new memories, new lives, and new dreams for our future.

I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the professors and committee members of the Gyeonggi Film School Association and the staff at the Gyeonggi Content Agency for their dedication in preparing this event. The Culture, Sports, and Tourism Committee of the Gyeonggi Provincial Council will continue to provide unwavering support to encourage the futures of students who love film through this festival.

I deeply hope that this stage will serve as a springboard for you to reach even greater heights. Thank you.

Hello, I am OH Youngkyun, Representative Director of the Suwon Cultural Foundation.

First of all, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations on the 10th anniversary of the Gyeonggi Film School Festival. On behalf of the Suwon Cultural Foundation, I am truly pleased to deliver this congratulatory message on this meaningful occasion. Held under the slogan “Create, Challenge, Communicate,” this festival provides young filmmakers with a valuable opportunity to showcase their work to the world. I hope this festival serves not only as a platform for film screenings but also as a stepping stone for young artists in our region to take on new challenges and communicate with the world through the art of cinema.

As a city that pursues change and innovation in culture and the arts, Suwon is confident that this festival will inspire young artists and contribute to the cultural development of the region. The Suwon Cultural Foundation will continue to strive to create an environment where young filmmakers can freely dream and take on challenges. I have high hopes for the new stories and ambitious works that will be born through this festival, and I send my warmest wishes of encouragement to all participants.

May your passion shine even brighter. Thank you.

Welcome to the Gyeonggi Film School Festival 2024, to all our audience members and filmmakers from Korea and abroad.

Thanks to your support and interest, the Gyeonggi Film School Festival has reached its 10th edition. What began as a showcase for film and media students in Gyeonggi Province has now grown into a platform that highlights the innovative and unique ideas of young and talented creators not only from the province but also from around the world.

True to our slogan, “Create, Challenge, Communicate,” this festival will present a diverse array of works filled with the passion and challenges of young creators. We applaud the efforts and spirit of these young filmmakers, who have brought forth high-quality works with their passion for film, and we sincerely wish that their creativity and experimental spirit will reach even broader stages.

We welcome all of you to the Gyeonggi Film School Festival 2024 and hope that it will be a treasure-filled time where you can witness the brilliant potential of young creators. Thank you.

Welcome to the Gyeonggi Film School Festival 2024!

Under the slogan of “Create, Challenge, Communicate,” this film festival, which began in 2015, is now celebrating its 10th anniversary. Over the years, the festival has fostered numerous filmmakers, helping them take a step closer to their dreams. Being able to witness and support the growth of film students is the greatest pride and joy that our festival holds.

Looking back, there have been challenges due to unexpected changes in circumstances surrounding the festival. However, thanks to the unwavering support and assistance from Gyeonggi Province and the Gyeonggi Content Agency, which have always been our strong pillars, the festival has continued to thrive. We extend our deepest gratitude to them. We would also like to thank the Suwon Cultural Foundation and Suwon Media Center for providing an excellent environment and various amenities since last year.

Gyeonggi Film School Festival will continue to prepare for another decade with all those who have watched over and supported us with warm hearts. We kindly ask for your continued encouragement and support for the young filmmakers who will lead not only Korea but also the global cultural and artistic scene in the future.

One of my favorite pop songs is Green Day’s “Wake Me Up When September Ends.” In the lyrics, the lead singer Armstrong earnestly pleads, “Wake me up when September ends.”

Listening to this song in the car today, I was suddenly reminded of our Gyeonggi Film School Festival. A film festival that wakes us up as September comes to an end. Does that sound a bit far-fetched? But to me, this festival truly is such a wake-up call. There’s the beautiful Jecheon International Music & Film Festival held right before us at Cheongpung Lake, the DMZ International Documentary Film Festival happening around the same time, and even the Busan International Film Festival waiting right after us. But none of them awaken us like the Gyeonggi Film School Festival does. With a modest budget, bringing together films that may still be unpolished, without any competition, we humbly cheer for each other’s works. This gathering, to me, is more beautiful than any grand film festival.

This year marks our 10th edition. It’s simply astonishing that a festival, created purely from the camaraderie of film school professors in the Gyeonggi region without any pursuit of profit, has been held ten times already.

Over the past ten years, we have faced many challenges, but I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Professor PARK Jihong from Dankook University and Professor Heo Uk from Yong In University, representatives of the Gyeonggi Film School Association, and Co-Chairman Professor KIM Seokbeom from Suwon University, as well as to all the faculty members from our member schools who have supported us along the way. Above all, I want to give an endless round of applause to our proud students, who, year after year, create works with their unique styles and worldviews. I would also like to thank everyone at the Gyeonggi Content Agency and all those involved, and this year, in particular, I am deeply grateful to President KIM Sangsik of Sungkyul University, the Suwon Cultural Foundation, and everyone who has supported us in making this festival even more vibrant. I firmly believe that you will continue to support us in the years to come.