Sajid Ali: Lahore: The 25th Jeonju International Film Festival took place in South Korea from May 1 to May 10, 2024, under the theme “Beyond the Frame.” Known as one of Asia’s most important platforms for independent and experimental cinema, the festival showcased 232 films from 43 countries, including 162 feature-length titles and 70 short films.

The festival opened with All the Long Nights by Japanese director Miyake Sho and closed with Matt and Mara by Canadian filmmaker Kazik Radwanski. Alongside screenings, JIFF featured a rich cultural program. A special exhibition titled “See Again: 25+50,” co-hosted with the Korean Film Archive, celebrated the archive’s 50th anniversary with screenings of restored works by early Korean filmmakers such as Park Nam-ok and Kim Su-yong. Another major attraction was the “100 Films 100 Posters” exhibition, now in its tenth year, where graphic designers reimagined festival films through striking poster art.

Awards at this year’s festival highlighted bold new voices. The Grand Prize in the International Competition went to The Major Tones by Ingrid Pokropek, while the Korean Competition’s Grand Prize was awarded to Time to Be Strong by Namkoong Sun. Additional awards recognized excellence in acting, documentary filmmaking, and short films, underlining JIFF’s dedication to nurturing diverse talent.

The 2024 edition also emphasized accessibility and inclusivity, with a special program of barrier-free films ensuring that audiences with disabilities could fully participate in the screenings. This reflected the festival’s commitment to expanding the boundaries of film appreciation and making cinema an experience open to all.

As it marked its 25th edition, the Jeonju International Film Festival once again reaffirmed its reputation as a space where independent cinema thrives. With its focus on experimentation, heritage restoration, and global storytelling, JIFF continued to strengthen its role as a hub for filmmakers and audiences eager to explore fresh and daring approaches to the art of cinema.