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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider KCC PH launches Student Short Film Festival; winner flies to Busan

KCC PH launches Student Short Film Festival; winner flies to Busan

Published Apr 29, 2025 08:53 am

The Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC) has launched the first-ever Student Short Film Competition with the grand prize of a trip to Busan, South Korea to attend the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF). 

The competition is part of the 2025 Korean Film Festival in the Philippines, a yearly celebration of Korean cinema that brings heartwarming stories and world-class films to Filipino audiences. 

KCCfilm1.jpg

The poster for the KCC Student Short Film Competition (KCC)

This year, KCC is raising the stakes by inviting young storytellers to step behind the camera and show the world their take on “Korea in the Philippines,” the perfect theme to capture the shared ties between the Philippines and South Korea. 

The winning film will be shown during the Korean Film Festival. 

“This competition is more than just a contest — it’s an invitation for students to tell stories that connect cultures, spark conversations, and maybe even launch their future in film. And with Busan as the destination, the journey from script to screen just got even more exciting!” said KCC Director Kim Myeongjin. 

Interested participants can fill out the application form (bit.ly/ReelConnectionsApplication) and the submission form (bit.ly/ReelConnectionsSubmission) for the film entry.

Deadline of the application is on June 30, 2025.

GUIDELINES 

Theme - “Korea in the Philippines”

The theme will encompass the history, cultural exchange, and symbolic meanings surrounding the K-culture or Korea in the Philippines.

Eligibility

1. Open to Filipino students currently enrolled in any undergraduate program (up to Bachelor’s level) in the Philippines.

2. Each filmmaker or group can only submit one entry. For group entries, all members must be enrolled students.*No minimum and maximum group members required.

3. Entries should not have participated in any major film festivals.

 

Film Specifications

Runtime - 13~15 minutes, including credits

Genre - Open (narrative, documentary, animation, experimental, etc.)

Language - Primarily in English, but Filipino is also allowed with hardcoded English subtitles

Resolution - At least 1920x1080 (Full HD)

Accepted formats - MP4, MOV

Music and Copyright - Any music that is royalty-free or properly licensed

 

Submission Requirements

1. Film Entry

Online: Upload your film to a private video sharing platform (e.g., Google Drive, Vimeo with or without a password) and provide the link in the submission form. Ensure that the link remains active until August 31, 2025.

2. Film Trailer - 30 to 45 seconds uploaded to Google Drive.

3. Film Poster - High resolution uploaded to Google Drive. The recommended size is 8.3 x 11.7 inches.

4. Director's Statement - Submit a brief explanation (maximum of 300 words) detailing how your film aligns with the theme "Korea in the Philippines.”

5. Accomplished Application and Submission Form

Step 1. APPLICATION FORM <bit.ly/ReelConnectionsApplication> Complete the Application Form to register for the contest.*Filling out the application form doesn’t have a deadline, but it’s mandatory to fill out this form before the submission form.

Step 2. SUBMISSION FORM <bit.ly/ReelConnectionsSubmission> Fill out the Submission Form once you have your film ready for submission and the rest of the collaterals (film trailer, film poster, director’s statement, proof of enrollment, copyright clearance ).*Deadline of submissions is on June 30, 2025.

6. Proof of Enrollment - A scanned copy of the team members’ student IDs or certificates of registration for your respective undergraduate programs.

7. Copyright Clearance - If applicable, provide legal documentation for any third-party material used in your film (music, footage, etc.).

Deadline of Submission - Until June 30, 2025

KCCfilm3.jpg

Scan the QR codes for the guidelines, application form and submission form for the Student Short Film Competition (KCC)

Reminders

1. Films must have a run time of strictly 13~15 minutes only.

2. Submitted films are considered final and cannot be edited.

3. No copyrighted music or materials are allowed unless written permission has been obtained. Original compositions or royalty-free tracks from platforms like Free Music Archive or YouTube Audio Library are encouraged. Entries that do not comply with copyright requirements will be disqualified.

4.. By submitting their films, filmmakers agree to grant the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines the right to screen their entries during the 2025 Korean Film Festival and for other promotional purposes.

5. In case of any violation of the guidelines and rules, the organizers and the judging committee reserve the right to disqualify the participant and their film or remove them from the program.

6. The organizers and the selection committee reserve the right to disqualify any participant and/or to forfeit any prize from a participant who is found to have committed plagiarism or has undertaken fraudulent practice and/or activities harmful to the Festival or the Festival submission process.

7. KCC reserves the right to create, revoke, and modify at any time, in any way, its entry requirements, rules, and regulations at its absolute discretion without prior notice. Finalists and submitted entries shall be bound by any amendments or additions to the entry requirements, rules, and regulations herewith.

8. The decision of the Selection Committee is final and irrevocable. The organizers and the selection committee are not obliged to explain the results.

Judging Criteria

1. Creativity and Originality (30%) - Assessment of the film's innovative approach and unique concepts in presenting the theme "Korea in the Philippines," highlighting originality in ideas, visuals, and execution.

2. Storytelling (30%) - Evaluation of the narrative structure, clarity of the message, and emotional resonance, considering how effectively the story engages the audience.

3. Technical Proficiency (20%) - Analyze production quality, including visuals, sound, and editing, ensuring that technical elements enhance the overall viewing experience.

4. Relevance to Theme (20%) - Examination of how well the film connects to the theme "Korea in the Philippines," considering the depth and variety of interpretations, including cultural, historical, or personal perspectives.

Awards

1. Grand Winner 

All-expense paid trip to Korea to attend the 2025 Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) in September for 3 members of the winning team.

*The participating members of the trip will be at the team's discretion.

KCC will take care of: 

● Roundtrip Airfare 

● Accommodation 

● BIFF Pass

The winning team should shoulder the following:

:● Visa processing fee

● Meals

● Transportation (outside of BIFF schedule)

● Other kinds of expenses

2. Korean Film Festival

The top film entries will be screened alongside the other events at this year’s Korean Film Festival.

 

Related Tags

BIFF BUSAN KCC Philippines Busan International Film Festival
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