The 26th JEONJU International Film Festival (JEONJU IFF, Festival Co-Director MIN Sungwook and JUNG Junho) has received 662 submissions from 86 countries for its International Competition section during the submission period from November 7, 2024, to January 2, 2025.

This year saw an increase in eligible entries for evaluation, with participating countries expanding from 83 to 86 compared to the previous year. By region, Asia led with 328 submissions, followed by Europe with 269, North America with 110, and submissions from South America, Africa, and Oceania. By country, China submitted the highest number with 91 films, followed by India with 65 and Iran with 48 entries.

By genre, the submissions comprised 380 fiction films, 212 documentaries, 5 animations, 50 experimental films, and 15 films in other categories. Notably, documentary submissions exceeded 200 for the second consecutive year, while experimental films maintained a strong presence with over 50 entries. The JEONJU International Film Festival accepts submissions across all genres, reflecting its commitment to diversity as a core identity.

CHUN Jinsu, programmer at JEONJU IFF, noted, "While the total number of submissions slightly decreased compared to last year, we actually saw an increase in the number of films eligible for preliminary screening by our five-member jury. It's particularly noteworthy that we received more submissions from Asia, especially from China." He added, "Despite the changes and challenges facing the film industry, we hope that Jeonju will continue to serve as a platform to introduce bold works from emerging directors."

The International Competition section focuses on films that mark either the first or second feature-length work of directors and will have their Asian premiere at the festival. Ten films selected through preliminary screening by domestic and international jury members will be showcased in the International Competition section at the upcoming 26th JEONJU International Film Festival (April 30 - May 9). Awards will be presented following the main competition screening. At the 25th edition, Ingrid POKROPEK's The Major Tones won the Grand Prize in the International Competition.

△ The 25th JEONJU International Film Festival (2024) Award Ceremony