The 18th Korean Film Festival will take place from October 10-17, 2025, at the Corvin Cinema in Budapest, featuring a special program commemorating the 80th anniversary of Korea's national liberation. This year's festival focuses on films that honor this historic milestone in Korean history, showcasing both contemporary works and productions that explore the themes of independence and national identity.
The festival will open with the award-winning historical drama "Harbin," which tells the compelling story of An Jung-gun, a prominent activist in Korea's independence movement known as the "Korean Spring." The film stars Hyun Bin, an actor who has gained significant recognition among Hungarian audiences. This opening selection sets the tone for a festival that bridges historical significance with contemporary storytelling.
The festival program is organized into several distinct sections, each offering unique perspectives on Korean cinema. The Fresh section continues the festival tradition of presenting current films from Korean cinema, giving audiences access to the latest works from the peninsula. Meanwhile, the Faces category showcases outstanding creators from the Korean film world, highlighting three promising directors whose works represent the future of Korean cinema.
A major highlight of this year's festival is the personal appearance of three acclaimed directors: Shim Hyeongjun, Oh Jung-min, and Kangyu Garam. These filmmakers will participate in CINETALK sessions, offering audiences the rare opportunity to meet the directors in person and engage in discussions following screenings of their films in the Faces section. These interactive sessions provide invaluable insights into the creative process and artistic vision behind the featured works.
The Focus section, which features a special theme each year, is built around the topic of Korean national liberation, presenting films from various genres and eras that explore this crucial period in Korean history. This thematic approach allows viewers to understand the multifaceted nature of Korea's struggle for independence through different cinematic lenses. The Extra block will showcase award-winning works from the festival's official partner and sponsor, the Jeonju International Film Festival, bringing internationally recognized Korean cinema to Budapest audiences.
Adding a local touch to the international program, this year's Bonus section features a special selection curated by the Hungarian organizers of the 15-year-old Korean Film Club. This collaboration highlights the growing appreciation for Korean cinema in Hungary and the deep cultural connections that have developed over more than a decade of film programming.
The festival will conclude with the screening of the sequel to "Hitman," which premiered at the 14th Korean Film Festival. The second installment proved to be a massive commercial success in Korea, ranking as the third highest-grossing film in domestic cinemas. This closing selection demonstrates the festival's commitment to showcasing both critically acclaimed and commercially successful Korean productions.
Audience participation remains a central element of the festival experience. Each year, festival films compete for audience votes, with the Audience Award being presented in a ceremony held before the screening of the closing film. This democratic approach to film recognition ensures that viewer preferences play a significant role in celebrating the festival's offerings.
Practical information for festival-goers includes venue details at Corvin Cinema, located at 1082 Budapest, Corvin köz 1. Ticket prices are set at 2000 HUF for general admission, with discounted rates of 1500 HUF available for pensioners, teachers, and students. Tickets can be purchased online at corvinmozi.hu or at the cinema box office starting September 25.
The festival is organized by the Korean Cultural Center in Hungary in partnership with the Korean Film Council, with co-organizational support from the Jeonju International Film Festival and the Korean Film Archive. Additional information about the festival program and events can be found at koreaifilmfesztival.hu, providing comprehensive details for those interested in attending this celebration of Korean cinema and culture.
