The Korean Film Festival Australia (KOFFIA) is celebrating its 16th year with an ambitious expansion that will bring Korean cinema to audiences across six cities throughout the country. Presented by the Korean Cultural Centre Australia, this year's festival showcases the growing popularity and reach of Korean film culture in Australia through both major screenings and an innovative touring program.
The main festival will run from August 21-26, 2025, at Event Cinemas on George Street in Sydney, featuring Australian premieres from Korea's most acclaimed filmmakers. The carefully curated selection spans diverse genres, offering Australian audiences their first opportunity to experience these films, all presented with English subtitles to ensure accessibility for local viewers.
Following the successful conclusion of the Sydney festival, KOFFIA will launch its expanded Touring Program from September through October 2025. This initiative represents a significant effort to democratize access to Korean cinema by bringing free screenings to six regional cities across Australia: Benalla, Toowoomba, Parramatta, Alice Springs, Victor Harbor, and Whitsunday.
Each participating city in the touring program will feature four carefully curated films, selected to represent the breadth and quality of contemporary Korean cinema. This approach ensures that regional audiences, who traditionally have limited access to international film festivals, can experience the same high-quality programming offered in major metropolitan areas. The free admission policy removes financial barriers and encourages broader community participation in cultural exchange through cinema.
The festival's expansion reflects the growing international recognition of Korean cinema and its increasing influence on global film culture. By reaching audiences in both urban and regional areas, KOFFIA continues to strengthen cultural ties between Korea and Australia while providing Australian film enthusiasts with access to cutting-edge Korean storytelling and cinematography.
