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The 20th Busan International Kids & Youth Film Festival Opens Tomorrow (8th), Expanding to Western Busan

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Busan Metropolitan City (Mayor Park Heong-joon) announced that from tomorrow (July 8) to the 19th, the 20th Busan International Kids & Youth Film Festival (BIKY), a visual culture celebration for children and youth—the protagonists of the future—will be held at major screening venues across the city, including the Busan Cinema Center.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the festival is expanding to western Busan, bringing the experience even closer to audiences.

This year’s festival will take place from July 8 to 14, centered around the Busan Cinema Center, with additional screenings and events at Yurari Square and the BNK Art Cinema in Jung-gu.

Following that, from July 15 to 19, “West BIKY” will unfold in western Busan at venues such as Saha-gu Office Annex, Dadaepo Waterfront Park’s Lawn Square, and Lotte Cinema Busan Myeongji.

BIKY (Busan International Kids & Youth Film Festival)

The opening ceremony will take place at 5:30 PM tomorrow (July 8) at the outdoor Haneul Theater of the Busan Cinema Center.

Hosted by broadcaster Oh Sang-jin and actress Moon Seung-ah, the ceremony will open in spectacular fashion with a celebratory performance by Lee Eun-gyeol, one of Korea’s most renowned illusionists.

During the festival, a total of 172 films (53 feature-length and 119 short films) from 44 countries will be screened. The opening film is Space Cadet, an animated feature directed by Canadian filmmaker Kid Koala (Eric San).

The film is based on the director’s own graphic novel and depicts the friendship and growth of a girl and a robot on a space expedition through delicate ink-wash animation, delivering a heartfelt message that transcends generations.

To mark its 20th anniversary, the festival offers a well-balanced program reflecting the past, present, and future. These include:

• ●“BIKY Classic,” showcasing timeless masterpieces;

• ●A special section titled “The Present of Korean Cinema” that explores the meaning of family in contemporary times;

• ●And future-oriented programs such as AI workshops and forums, offering audiences deeper perspectives.

BIKY’s signature “BIKY Class” program is richer than ever. The “Cinema Class,” themed Growing Up as a Child Actor, Surviving as an Actor, features director Yoon Ga-eun of The House of Us, along with actors Kim Soo-an, Moon Seung-ah, and Lee Ji-won.

The “Special Class” will host prominent figures such as opening film director Kid Koala, director Park Jae-beom, neuroscientist Dr. Jung Jae-seung, and film critic Professor Darcy Paquet for insightful lectures that bridge cinema and various disciplines.

The festival’s flagship program, “BIKY Playground,” has been completely revamped this year, and will be divided into three zones:

• ●“This Is the Taste!” food truck zone,

• ●“Exciting Performances” stage zone,

• ●And the “Thinky Experiences” activity booths.

Especially in the “Thinky Experiences” zone themed around “the future,” innovative companies from the fields of technology, education, and environment will offer engaging activities.

Children can participate in hands-on programs that inspire them to imagine and explore the future. Meanwhile, audiences can enjoy delicious food and relaxing performances throughout the playground area.

Detailed screening schedules and ticket information are available on the official website (www.biky.or.kr). For more inquiries, contact the BIKY Secretariat at ☎ 051-743-7652.

Mayor Park Heong-joon stated, “I’m delighted that the Busan International Kids & Youth Film Festival, now celebrating its 20th year, has grown into a citywide celebration by expanding to western Busan,” and added, “I hope this becomes an opportunity for children and youth to unleash their imaginations through film and emerge as future leaders. I also wish families joyful summer memories together.”