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Round and Round- We Become One!
Hello again, this is S in charge of J Letter!
A warm breeze, an alarm bell for spring, blows after the pouring snow has vanished.
We are trying our best to prepare for the upcoming 26th JEONJU IFF, which will be held in mid-Spring.
This time, we bring you major updates and news about the festival!
February édition, c'est parti!
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HISTORY OF J: The 26th Official Poster Unveiled!
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The initial J for JEONJU IFF has been used as a motif since 2020. This time, I brought the past 5 years' posters of the JEONJU IFF. Let’s take a look at how it has developed. Which one is your favorite?
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Did you notice that JEONJU IFF unveiled the 26th official festival poster?
This time, it’s a motion poster! The 26th official poster expresses the festival’s identity of diversity and inclusivity. It expresses the core cinematic elements of “Frame” and “Connection” with 26 dots while continuing its direction. Do you feel the vibe we’ve been trying to convey?
26 tree rings, 26 footsteps, 26 histories and memories. Within 26 dots, we hope you can feel the image and energy of the 26-year-old festival!
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Updates for the 26th JEONJU IFF 🎬
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▶The 17th JEONJU Project Selections Announced!
The 17th JEONJU Project selections are:
- JEONJU Lab: Short 2 projects
- JEONJU Cinema Project: Next Edition 10 finalists for pitching
- Work In Progress 5 projects
We appreciate all your support and interest in the 17th JEONJU Project!
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▶ Spend Your Spring with JEONJU IFF!
We are recruiting Volunteers to help create the 26th JEONJU IFF.
Applications will be accepted until May 5 (Wed) 16:00. Don't miss your chance!
More details can be found on the volunteer website.
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▶ Korean Films Set New Records for Most Submissions!
This year, a total of 1,835 films were submitted, an increase of 234 compared to last year, setting a record for the second consecutive year!
Korean Competition and Local Cinema selections will be announced in March, with non-competition sections announced at a press conference for the screening announcement.
These films will be available at the 26th JEONJU IFF, held from April 30 (Wed) to May 9 (Fri).
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▶ Now Hiring: Screening Manager and Projection Manager!
We are recruiting Screening Managers and Projection Managers to help create the 26th JEONJU IFF!
Applications are open from February 18 (Tue) to March 10 (Mon) 17:00.
Since separate job training will be provided, it is open to everyone!
For more details, please refer to the official JEONJU IFF website!
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▶ Award-Winning Film Deprivation (KIM Solhae, LEE Dojin) to Have Its Official Release at Mexico’s Cineteca Nacional!
The 24th JEONJU IFF established the "Cineteca Nacional México Award" in collaboration with Cineteca Nacional de México to support the international reach of Korean cinema. This award offers opportunities for Korean films to be screened at Mexico’s national cinematheque, with one Korean feature film selected each year for a special screening.
Last year, at the 25th JEONJU IFF, Deprivation was honored with the Cineteca Nacional México Award. We are delighted to announce that the film will have its official release at Cineteca Nacional de México on February 28 (Fri), 2025.
We appreciate your interest and support!
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▶ Director's Visit: Matías Piñeiro, a Filmmaker Who Creates Stories from Literature
From February 14 (Fri) to February 18 (Tue), ARTHOUSE MOMO and "Cinematograph" presented their second regular screening program of 2025, special screenings of Matías Piñeiro. He was also a jury at the last year's JEONJU IFF and a director of You Burn Me (2024).
Argentinian filmmaker Matías Piñeiro has crafted a unique cinematic universe through his multilayered storytelling style. During the screenings, Director Piñeiro visited Korea and participated in GV sessions with audiences alongside film critics.
How did you experience his densely woven films, rich with literary narration, dialogue, and imagery?
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JEONJU CALLING 2: JEONJU HANOK VILLAGE & DEOKJIN PARK
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Jeonju Hanok Village is one of the most famous attractions in Jeonju. Traditional Korean houses, called Hanok, are densely located here. You can explore authentic Korean culture here. Korean traditional clothing, Hanbok, is available for rent. There are lots of photo booths in Hanok Village. So why don’t you take a picture wearing a nice Hanbok?
For those seeking authentic 'Korean Aesthetics,' Jeonju Hanok Village is the perfect place to visit. Among the Hanok buildings, you should visit Gyeonggijeon Shrine. It was built during the Joseon Dynasty and is a popular filming location for Korean dramas. It's kind of the core of Hanok Village.
However, I would say that's a basic way to enjoy Jeonju.
There are lots of places to visit. First of all, in Hanok Village, you can also find lovely tea rooms. Sitting in Hanok, drinking a cup of tea, watching the paysage, wouldn’t it be nice?
Moreover, I would recommend Yeonhwajeong Library, located in Deokjin Park. It’s right next to Jeonbuk University, just a 15-minute drive away from Hanok Village. In the middle of a pond, there is a small library in Hanok style where you can read and use laptops. Whether it's spring and summer with lotus flowers in bloom, or autumn and winter with their calm and peaceful atmosphere, this spot will make your trip more colorful and delightful. The photo above is a combination of Yeonhwajeong Library and Hanok Village. Isn’t it beautiful? Stay tuned for more recommendations!
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EASY MODE
📌 Gyeonggijeon Shrine
📌 Jeollagamyeong Provincial Office
📌 Jeondong Catholic Cathedral
📌 Photo Booths wearing Hanbok
📌 Street Foods
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EXPERT MODE
📌Deokjin Park and Yeonhwajeong Library
📌 Tea Room Tour
📌 Cafe Tour
📌 Jeonju Arboretum
(Korea Expressway Corporation Arboretum)
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📍One More Tip
KAKAO Maps or Naver Maps are recommended when searching nice places in Korea! You can get more detailed information in Jeonju!
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# Intro
Hey everyone, I’m Susu from the Publicity Team at the 26th JEONJU IFF. Briefly speaking, I have lived in Seoul for more than 20 years, and I’ve never been to Jeonju before. This time, I would like to share my life in Jeonju. It would be helpful if you were also going to Jeonju.
As a person who has visited more than 20 countries, I am a professional at traveling around. Of course at the “JEONJU Calling”, I will inform you about famous attractions in Jeonju, however, to those who want to read vivid journals who got to live in Jeonju for the first time, you should not skip this chapter!
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# The River Flows In You…
In Jeonju, buildings are less tall than in Seoul, and the atmosphere is calmer. Those who get tired of crowdedness in Seoul, then, Jeonju would be great.
You can easily find stream sides where you can take a walk. With the music, I love to walk for more than two hours. These days, I am into Talking Heads’s album, Remain In Light, and songs by Morrissey again. It’s kind of a routine for me. Do you have your favorite songs for a promenade?
By the way, there was heavy snow yesterday-what a white day! Since it’s still early February, the scenery might look a bit gloomy. However, when March arrives—especially in April and May, when you visit—everything will be covered in green
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# I Wanna Know Have You Ever Seen the Gamaek (Gagae Beer)
Have you ever heard of Gamaek? It's a famous cultural tradition in Jeonju where you can enjoy simple dishes with alcohol while spending time with friends. When you're at a Gamaek house, time flies! Yesterday, I went to a Gamaek house with my colleagues. It was a lot of fun, and the dishes—egg rolls and Hwangtae Gui(grilled pollack)—were delicious! The special Gamaek sauce, a mixture of mayonnaise, soybean sauce, and chili peppers, paired perfectly with the Hwangtae. Although the menus are similar, each Gamaek House has its own unique flavors. I highly recommend exploring different ones to discover the variety of tastes they offer!
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# Take the "Tea" Train
Last Sunday, I went to a tea room called "Kyodong Dawon" in Jeonju. There were several options to choose from, and I chose Oriental Beauty Tea, which is a type of Oolong tea. I loved the calm and soft vibe. Outside it was freezing cold, and we had to wait for 10 minutes, but as soon as we got into the room, we felt warm and comfortable. If you are interested in tea etiquette, the clerks will kindly demonstrate how to brew a cup of tea. The whole café is decorated in traditional Korean style. What a delightful moment it was, drinking fine tea and talking with my loved one while enjoying the view of the Hanok!
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Hello there!
This time, we are going to cover noticeable film magazines all around the world. As you know, we have been trying to seek better and alternative ways of experiencing cinema. In this context, J Letter brings a new chapter called “CINÉ ZINÉ”! Let’s check it out!
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# Little White Lies (UK)
Founded in 2005, Little White Lies covers both mainstream and independent cinema from around the world with top-quality journalism and illustrations. LWL offers readers the chance to hear from a multitude of voices regardless of writing experience. In brief, they describe themselves as "the vanguard of the independent publishing movement".
They feature not just various reviews but also cover interviews with people from different fields. Recently, they interviewed Jesse Eisenberg who became a director with A Real Pain and Vera Drew of The People’s Joker.
Moreover, based on three criteria-anticipation, enjoyment, and in retrospect-reporters present numerous reviews by their own perspectives. You might agree or disagree with their viewpoints, making their essays exciting to follow. They also offer podcasts and video essays through their Youtube channel. Therefore, if you are interested in reading numerous essays of film that handle distinctive topics through varied media, why not give Little White Lies a try?
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# 釀電影 (Filmaholic) (TW)
Under the motto of "film reviewing media for cinephiles, combining online content and offline publications," they believe "film reviewing" should be regarded as a genre in itself, treated with the same care and contemplation as an original film. Thus, Filmaholic(釀電影) was born. People who love writing and films came together from different backgrounds to create Filmaholic. Recently, they have published special editions focusing on "Sakamoto Ryuichi," "Ghibli," and "Golden Horse Awards."
Since its founding in July 2017, Filmaholic has published nearly 2,000 articles and brought together more than 200 outstanding Taiwanese film critics. The platform not only plans special topics and reviews films and series but also maintains long-term cooperation with various film festivals across Taiwan and has produced many interviews. Filmaholic welcomes everyone who wishes to submit their manuscripts!
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Here's what we brought this month! Feedback is always welcome.
Please stay tuned and anticipate for next month's J Letter!
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2025.2.21.
Written by: Publicity Team | Edited and Published by: Publicity Team
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"Beyond the Frame"
The 26th JEONJU International Film Festival
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