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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Movies and TV devider KCC PH launches 'Kwentong Korea' film contest; winner to attend Busan Int'l Film Festival

KCC PH launches 'Kwentong Korea' film contest; winner to attend Busan Int'l Film Festival

Published Jan 13, 2026 03:02 pm
The Busan International Film Festival in Busan, South Korea, and the poster for the "Kwentong Korea" film contest (Jonathan Hicap, KCC Philippines)
The Busan International Film Festival in Busan, South Korea, and the poster for the "Kwentong Korea" film contest (Jonathan Hicap, KCC Philippines)

The Korean Cultural Center (KCC) in the Philippines launched the 2026 Student Short Film Competition, inviting young Filipino filmmakers to share their creative stories through the theme “Kwentong Korea.”

The short film contest follows the success of KCC Philippines’ first-ever short film competition aimed at nurturing student filmmakers and strengthening cultural exchange between South Korea and the Philippines through cinema. 

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

“Under the theme ‘Kwentong  Korea,’ participants are encouraged to craft short films inspired by the emotions, moments, and narratives found in Korean dramas, movies, books, poems, and beyond—transforming these stories into fresh creations of their own,” according to the guidelines. 

The 2019 Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) in Busan, South Korea (Jonathan Hicap)
The 2019 Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) in Busan, South Korea (Jonathan Hicap)
The 2019 Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) in Busan, South Korea (Jonathan Hicap)
The 2019 Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) in Busan, South Korea (Jonathan Hicap)
The poster for the
The poster for the "Kwentong Korea" film contest (KCC Philippines)
The 2019 Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) in Busan, South Korea (Jonathan Hicap)
The 2019 Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) in Busan, South Korea (Jonathan Hicap)

Open to undergraduate and graduate students nationwide, the competition provides aspiring filmmakers, storytellers, and enthusiasts with approximately six months to conceptualize, produce, and submit their short film entries.

The winning team will fly to South Korea to attend the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), set to take place in October this year. 

As one of Asia’s most prestigious film festivals, BIFF provides students with a rare opportunity to immerse themselves in the global film industry and draw inspiration from international filmmakers.

In addition, the top three film entries will be screened as part of the annual Korean Film Festival, scheduled in August, allowing student filmmakers to present their work to a wider audience.

The second year of the Student Short Film Competition reflects KCC Philippines’ renewed enthusiasm for the year ahead—continuing its mission to promote Korean culture while empowering Filipino youth through the arts.

Interested participants may access the official competition details and registration links below:

Competition Guidelines: bit.ly/2026ShortFilmGuidelines

Submission Form: bit.ly/2026FilmRegistration

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