Plagiarism Controversy: Film Wins Best Picture Award? Decision to Cancel 'Infiltration' at Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival

The Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival has decided to cancel the award for 〈Infiltration〉, which won the Best Picture Award this year. On the afternoon of the 26th, the 21st Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival announced the cancellation of the award and screening of the winning film through its official SNS. The festival stated in a statement, "We have recognized that opinions were raised regarding the film 〈Infiltration〉 at the end of November 2025," and added, "After recognizing the matter, the executive committee proceeded with a review process of the related opinions, during which it was confirmed that information that could significantly impact the judging was not submitted at the submission stage." However, the vague wording of 'opinions were raised' without specifying the reasons has led to greater suspicion. The reasons raised online include allegations of plagiarism due to similarities with the overseas short film 〈Punch-Drunk〉. Some netizens have posted screening links for 〈Punch-Drunk〉, stating opinions such as "excessive similarity" or "the story is completely different but the filming techniques and psychological portrayal are very similar."

Below is the full statement from the Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival.

Notice of Cancellation of Award and Screening for the 21st Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival

The Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival has recognized that opinions were raised regarding the film 〈Infiltration〉 at the end of November 2025.

After recognizing the matter, the executive committee proceeded with a review process of the related opinions, during which it was confirmed that information that could significantly impact the judging was not submitted at the submission stage.

Therefore, the executive committee has decided to cancel the award and screening of the film 〈Infiltration〉 in order to maintain the trust in the festival's operational principles that support the unique personality and original imagination of creators.

Separately, the director of the film 〈Infiltration〉 has voluntarily expressed the intention to return the award in a sense of moral responsibility.

The Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival will continue to do its best to ensure responsible operation and procedures.

2025. 12. 26 Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival Executive Committee