I-Teens showcases short films by teenage female creators from Korea. This year, a total of 66 films were submitted. With an increased number of entries compared to last year, we had the pleasure of discovering works that moved beyond the typical portrayals of teenagers’ daily lives. These films demonstrated expanded thematic depth and a bold approach to exploring a wide range of subject matters. Particularly striking were the films that engaged with and reflected on the complexities of various relationships in everyday life, as well as those that attentively examined the physical and emotional journeys of teenage girls from a uniquely feminist perspective. What stood out most was the filmmakers’ dedication to transforming these reflections into cinematic expressions, channeling positive energy and effectively conveying their sentiments to the audience.
This year’s finalists include five narrative films and one documentary. Although a notable number of animations and documentaries were submitted, it is unfortunate that, despite their strong craftsmanship and compelling subjects, none progressed to the final selection. Nevertheless, each work showed great potential, leaving us excited to see what these directors will create in the future. Through this year’s I-Teens section, we hope audiences will join us in exploring how teenagers today perceive and portray their world through film. We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude and encouragement to all participants for sharing their remarkable creations. During the festival, the I-Teens jury will watch and discuss the films together, after which they will select the recipients of the Grand Award and the Excellence Award. (PARK Sohyun and SON Sinae)
