The Korean Cultural Center (KCC) in the Philippines has kicked off 2026 with the launch of its 2026 Student Short Film Competition, inviting young Filipino filmmakers to showcase their creativity under the theme “Kwentong Korea.”

Building on the success of its first student short film competition, the KCC said the initiative reflects its continued commitment to nurturing young filmmakers while strengthening cultural exchange between the Philippines and South Korea through cinema.

This year’s theme encourages participants to explore Korean culture, narratives, or experiences, interpreted through distinctly Filipino storytelling and perspectives.

The competition is open to undergraduate and graduate students nationwide, giving aspiring filmmakers, storytellers, and film enthusiasts around six months to conceptualize, produce, and submit their short film entries.

The winning team will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to South Korea to attend the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) in October 2026. Recognized as one of Asia’s most prestigious film festivals, BIFF offers participants a rare opportunity to engage with the global film industry and draw inspiration from international filmmakers.

In addition, the top three entries will be screened during the annual Korean Film Festival scheduled for August 2026, providing student filmmakers a platform to present their work to a wider audience.

The KCC said the second year of the Student Short Film Competition signals renewed enthusiasm for the year ahead, as the center continues its mission to promote Korean culture while empowering Filipino youth through the arts.

Interested participants may access the competition guidelines and registration details through the KCC Philippines’ official channels. Inquiries and clarifications may be sent to info@koreanculture.ph.