'Our Stories Become Films' — Six-Day Festival Runs Through Tuesday

Actors Lee Won-jong and Kim Seung-woo Attend Opening; 'Bird Boy' Gets Asian Premiere

Opening ceremony of the 14th Seoul International Children's Film Festival
Opening ceremony of the 14th Seoul International Children's Film Festival

Eunpyeong-gu held the opening ceremony of the 14th Seoul International Children's Film Festival at Lotte Cinema Eunpyeong on Wednesday, kicking off a six-day run through Tuesday.

The ceremony opened with a live dubbing performance featuring 10 children, followed by congratulatory remarks from guests of honor, an opening declaration by Eunpyeong-gu District Mayor Kim Mi-kyung, introductions of jury members across the feature, short, animation, youth and children categories, and presentations of the festival's promotional ambassadors and full lineup of screenings.

Actor Lee Won-jong, who serves as a promotional ambassador for both Eunpyeong-gu and the Seoul International Children's Film Festival, attended the ceremony, as did actor Kim Seung-woo, to celebrate the festival's opening.

The opening film was "Bird Boy," directed by Joel Soisson, in its Asian premiere. The film follows a boy named August, who has lost his mother, as he forms an unlikely friendship with an ostrich named Kobus — hatched from an egg August stumbles upon — and the two embark on an adventure to protect each other.

This year's festival expanded opportunities for young people to participate beyond simply watching films, adding a new youth competition section and a youth jury.

The festival continues through Tuesday. Saturday's program includes a special exchange showcase with Germany's Schlingel International Film Festival for Children and Young People, as well as a magic concert, and outdoor screenings for family audiences are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday. The six-day run wraps up Tuesday at the main hall of Eunpyeong Culture and Arts Center with an awards ceremony and closing declaration.

"Film is a stage where we can freely unleash our imagination and a bridge connecting different worlds," District Mayor Kim said. "I hope this becomes a festival where children and families come together to empathize and communicate through cinema."


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