The London Korean Film Festival Returns for Its 18th Edition with a Special Focus

The London Korean Film Festival (LKFF) is set to return for its 18th edition from November 2 to November 16, 2023. Held in cinema venues across London, this year’s festival promises to be bigger and better than ever,

A Glimpse into Korean Cinema

With the distinction of hosting the most extensive program of Korean cinema outside of Korea itself, the LKFF is dedicated to bringing the best of Korean film to international audiences. This year’s festival will screened over 35 films across various strands, including Cinema Now, Special Focus – KAFA 40 years anniversary, Women’s Voices, Forum, and Special Screenings.

Celebrating 140 Years of Diplomatic Relations

In a momentous coincidence, 2023 marks the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the UK and Korea. To celebrate this historic occasion, LKFF will host its Opening and Closing ceremonies at the prestigious BFI Southbank, highlighting the significance of cultural exchange in strengthening international bonds.

Special Focus on KAFA’s 40th Anniversary

One of the festival’s standout strands is the Special Focus, dedicated to commemorating the 40th Anniversary of the Korean Academy of Film Arts (KAFA). Established by the Korean Film Council (KOFIC) in 1984, KAFA is a cornerstone of Korea’s film industry, nurturing over 700 talented individuals who have left an indelible mark on Korean cinema.

The KAFA strand, thoughtfully programmed by Mo Eunyoung, features four feature films and 11 short films. This selection includes groundbreaking works such as Tinker Ticker (2013), exploring the social anxiety of young people, Mother Land (2022), the first Korean stop-motion feature film in decades, and INGtoogi: The Battle of Internet Trolls (2013), a startling portrayal of the real-world consequences of online violence. Our Body (2018) delves into the intricate psychology of the female body and mind.

The KAFA strand also proudly presents 11 specially selected short films, presenting innovative storytelling and genre-defying creativity. These films hail from the Jeonju International Festival’s collection titled A Midsummer’s Fantasia: Films That Break the Norms of Imagination; this section includes works by acclaimed directors like Jang Joon-hwan and Lee Gi-cheol.

A Wide Range of Venues

The LKFF is set to take place in renowned London venues such as BFI Southbank, Picturehouse Central, ICA, Cine Lumiere, Rio Cinema, Rich Mix, and the Garden Cinema. These venues will provide the perfect scenery for the festival’s diverse program of screenings, introductions, Q&A sessions, and more.

Stay Tuned for More

The festival organisers will soon release full program details, including a comprehensive schedule of events and additional surprises for cinephiles and enthusiasts. Mark your calendars, as the 18th London Korean Film Festival is scheduled to run from November 2 to November 16, 2023.

Stay updated on all festival news by following LKFF on social media: