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(JEONJU IFF), 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)
RSVP and seating are first come, first served.
Limited same-day standby tickets available.
Cancellations must be made at least 48 hours in advance.
Your tickets will be released to the standby line 10 minutes before the show, so we recommend you arrive early to secure your seats.
All films featuring Korean dialogue will have English subtitles available.
For additional questions, please contact: film@koreanculture.org
![[Special Panel Talk] Seoul × New York: Indie Cinema Today](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/581ff5eef5e231b25f9c12db/1791383323575-9KSPEEGCZ82HAGVNOKAK/%E1%84%90%E1%85%A9%E1%84%8F%E1%85%B3%E1%84%91%E1%85%B3%E1%84%85%E1%85%A9%E1%84%80%E1%85%B3%E1%84%85%E1%85%A2%E1%86%B7+169.png)
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.
◆ In Collaboration with
Since 1997, BIFAN, Asia’s leading fantastic film festival, has brought together master filmmakers, emerging talents, and genre film fans from around the world in Bucheon, Korea. Celebrating its 30th edition in 2026, the festival showcases outstanding genre films from across the globe, welcomes internationally renowned filmmakers and actors, and presents innovative programs and events that reflect its distinctive identity. BIFAN also plays a leading role in the genre film industry through its industry program, NAFF, and continues to pioneer new possibilities in AI filmmaking.
Launched in 2000, JEONJU International Film Festival has introduced independent and experimental films at the forefront to shine a spotlight on the alternative movements of contemporary film art. We embrace diversity, create a festival scene for independent films with neglected values, speak for minorities, and question the essence of life and humanity. Furthermore, we identify promising filmmakers who support creative cinema with an independent spirit, providing them with opportunities to connect and network with international film professionals.
As Korea's only genre-focused short film festival, the Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival discovers emerging directors and actors who will shape the future of Korean cinema. It champions the experiments and challenges of filmmakers who cross genre boundaries, opening up new creative possibilities.
Launched in Muju County, Jeonbuk State, in 2013, the Muju Film Festival is one of South Korea’s most distinctive film festivals, where cinema meets landscape and curation meets experience. It presents 90–100 films from around 20 countries, focusing on Korean independent and international arthouse cinema. Welcoming around 35,000 visitors annually, it is a firm favorite among audiences and filmmakers alike.
Founded in 1975, the Seoul Independent Film Festival (SIFF) is Korea’s longest-running independent film festival. For over five decades, SIFF has discovered and championed countless independent films and emerging filmmakers. Held annually in Seoul, it showcases bold, original works across genres and forms, serving as both a vital platform for new voices and a gathering place for Korea’s independent film community.
◆ In Special Partnership with
KOCCA (Korea Creative Content Agency) is a public organization established in 2009 to promote the Korean content industry. KOCCA established a branch office, KOCCANY, in Manhattan, New York, in October 2024. KOCCANY's primary goal is to foster cultural exchange between the United States and South Korea, with a focus on K-Content. KOCCANY will organize and host a variety of events across the U.S., including exhibitions, forums, seminars, exchange programs, and performances related to K-Content and Korean culture.
Netflix is one of the world’s leading entertainment services offering TV series, films, games and live programming across a wide variety of genres and languages. Members can play, pause and resume watching as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, and can change their plans at any time.