The 1st New York Korean Independent Film Festival
Presented by Korean Cultural Center New York
In Collaboration with Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival(BIFAN), Jeonju International Film Festival(JIFF), Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival(MSFF), Muju Film Festival(MJFF), Seoul Independent Film Festival(SIFF)
In Special Partnership with Korea Creative Content Agency New York Center, Netflix
October 15th - 25th, 2026
Korean Cultural Center New York
(122 E 32nd Street, New York, NY 10016)
Ticket: FREE (RSVP REQUIRED)
* All films featuring Korean dialogue will have English subtitles available.
The Korean Cultural Center New York (KCCNY) is proud to present the inaugural edition of the New York Korean Independent Film Festival (NYKIFF), organized in collaboration with prominent cinematic institutions and partners from Korea, taking place from October 15 to October 25, 2026.
Marking a new chapter in Korean cinema programming in New York, the festival is dedicated to spotlighting the raw creativity, bold perspectives, and authentic storytelling of Korea's independent filmmakers. Rooted in artistic autonomy and contemporary discourse, NYKIFF offers local audiences and the American film community a compelling look at works that challenge conventions and expand cinematic horizons.
To celebrate this milestone debut, the festival will welcome more than 10 special guests—including directors, producers, and creative talents—for in-person screenings and in-depth Q&A sessions (GV). Audiences will have the rare opportunity to engage directly with the visionary storytellers defining the new wave of Korean independent cinema.
The inaugural program showcases a dynamic lineup of 15 films—10 feature films and 5 short films—reflecting the rich diversity, emotional depth, and uncompromising artistic vision of contemporary Korean independent filmmaking.