23 short films submitted; 13 teams honored with prizes totaling 16.8 million won
New individual awards introduced for cinematography, performance and directing
Songpa-gu wrapped up the 2026 Songpa Youth Film Festival, an event designed to nurture young filmmakers and discover future talent in the film industry.
Now in its sixth year, the festival drew 23 short films planned and produced entirely by young participants. The entries ranged from lighthearted stories of everyday life to works carrying social messages, showcasing the fresh perspectives and creativity that define youth filmmaking.
The awards ceremony was held Saturday at Seoul Nori Madang in conjunction with the Songpa Education Expo, bringing together students, parents and local residents in a cultural celebration of young people's filmmaking achievements.
The grand prize went to "The Angle," produced by students from Aju Middle School. The film follows two students with different interests and concerns as they discover themselves through each other, and was praised for its sensitive portrayal of inner growth and the meaning of relationships from a young person's perspective.
The excellence award went to "That Summer Is Still Being Made" (Jamshin Middle School and others) and "Chase" (Hallim Arts High School). The merit award went to "Until You Smile" (Yeongdong First High School), "School Ghost Story" (National Traditional Arts High School) and "Between the Present and the Future" (Gangdong High School). Four films, including "The Perspective We're Missing" (International Dream School), received encouragement awards.
This year, the festival introduced three new individual special awards — for cinematography, performance and directing — to recognize the personal talents of the young participants behind each production. Yun Tae-seong of Hallim Arts High School won the cinematography award for "Chase," Kim Dong-eun of Gangdong High School took the performance award for "Between the Present and the Future," and Kang I-ra of Seoul Broadcasting Arts High School received the directing award for "To Us."
A total of 13 teams shared prize money of 16.8 million won ($12,500).
The festival also gave audiences a chance to see the winning works on the big screen. Starting at 3 p.m. Saturday at Lotte Cinema World Tower, 13 films were screened — 10 award winners and three special selections. After the screenings, the young directors took part in audience Q&A sessions, explaining the ideas behind their films, the production process and the messages they hoped to convey.
Lee Seo-jun, director of the grand prize-winning film, said the experience had helped clarify a future path. "I had a dream in the field of film, and this experience gave me a concrete sense of direction," Lee said. "The process of sharing ideas and creating something together while preparing the work was itself a great lesson."
Songpa-gu District Mayor Seo Gang-seok said the process of young people viewing the world through their own eyes and turning that vision into a film is itself a valuable experience of growth. "We will continue to provide diverse opportunities for young people to freely express their creativity and abilities," Seo said.
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