The ninth edition of the Jeonju International Film Festival, scheduled to be held from May 1-9, has received a record total of 1,204 film submissions.
The figure is a 16% increase over last year's 1,035 submissions, indicating the expanding level of interest in the festival, both locally and internationally.
The totals break down to 815 submissions from Korea (62 features/753 shorts) and 389 submissions from abroad (205 features/184 shorts). The number of features submitted from other countries showed a particular jump, rising 36% from last year's 151 submissions.
The festival noted that among the particular trends in this year's submissions were an increased number of films by foreign directors shot in Korea (including Canadian, Japanese, and Taiwanese directors), and by Korean directors shot in foreign countries. There was also an increased number of submissions dealing with human rights issues and marginalized individuals such as migrant workers.
The festival is currently in the process of viewing the submissions in order to choose a final program, which will be announced in early April. Last year's festival presented a total of 185 films.
Program director JUNG Soo-wan noted that the ninth edition will function as "a stepping stone for establishing the unique character of the festival before reaching its tenth edition".
Among the changes to take place include a name change for the festival's competition section, from its former name "Indie Vision" to "International Competition".
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