52nd Seoul Independent Film Festival sets record with 1,917 entries, announces 10-day celebration

The Seoul Independent Film Festival has once again set a record for the number of films submitted, demonstrating the continued strength of the independent film sector.

Ahead of its 52nd edition in 2026, the Seoul Independent Film Festival has broken its all-time record for entries. The festival received 1,715 short films and 202 feature films, for a total of 1,917 entries. That was 112 more films than the 1,805 submitted the previous year, a 6.2% increase and a new record.

The Seoul Independent Film Festival solicited films in two categories: shorts and features. The call for entries opened July 13 (Monday), with the deadlines set for Aug. 3 (Monday) for short films and Aug. 24 (Monday) for feature films. Eligible works included films in all formats — including live-action narrative films, documentaries, animations and experimental films — completed after August 2025. Submissions increased by 55 live-action narrative films, 34 animations, 15 documentaries and eight experimental and other films from the previous year.

The festival will announce its selections on its official website in October after preliminary judging. Beginning this year, the Seoul Independent Film Festival has extended its run from nine days to 10 to make it easier for audiences to attend. The festival will take place for 10 days, from Nov. 25 (Wednesday) through Dec. 4 (Friday), in and around CGV Apgujeong.