'Asian Shorts' has been the festival's key competition section since the beginning of its history. This year, the section received 625 submissions from 17 countries across Asia, and the 19 works selected for the finals will be screened for audiences throughout the festival period. They approach the lives of Asian women through unique perspectives and rich aesthetic expressions. It is worth noting the rise of documentary and animation short films this year. Compared to a few years ago when only a few documentary works were submitted, these days more documentary works are produced and submitted— almost on par with feature works. Furthermore, documentary short films open up new cinematic horizons in combination with various experimental forms. The program also features striking animation works that use unique modes of expression to convey deep and wide themes. The short feature films, too, portray the characters' lives with careful consideration. The three jury members will select a winner for the following awards: The Grand Prize (prize money of 10 million KRW and a trophy), the Second Prize (prize money of 5 million KRW and a trophy) and BNP Paribas Asian Shorts Award (prize money of 5 million KRW and a trophy). HWANG Miyojo / Programmer