The 51st Seoul Independent Film Festival (November 27 - December 5, KST) has announced the final selections of 3 works for the independent film production support project ‘SIFF X Byun Woo-seok: Shorts on 2025’. The selected works are ▲‘She Always’ (Directed by Park Jeong-bin) ▲‘Nowhere’ (Directed by Lee Joo-yong) ▲‘Didi Im Baal’ (Directed by Heo Ji-yoon). Byun Woo-seok is currently filming with IU for the lead role in the MBC historical romance drama ‘21st Century Grand Lady’, which is scheduled to air next year.
‘SIFF X Byun Woo-seok: Shorts on 2025’ is a newly established program sponsored by Byun Woo-seok to support independent filmmakers who show new possibilities even in difficult production environments. It is gaining attention as a new attempt for a beloved actor to directly engage with the independent film creation ecosystem, going beyond simple production cost support.
The Seoul Independent Film Festival will operate this project in a one-stop program format that connects the production, screening, and distribution of short films based on the experience accumulated over the years. The judging panel included director Min Yong-geun of ‘Soulmate’ and ‘Hyehwa, Dong’, director Lim Sun-ae of ‘Love at the End of the Century’ and ‘69 Years Old’, Kim Yoo-jin, head of content at Plus M Entertainment, and sponsor Byun Woo-seok himself.
The call for submissions was held from October 10 to 24 (KST), with a total of 483 works submitted. The judging panel ultimately selected 3 works that matched the purpose of production support, the identity of the project, and the proposed theme of ‘Love’. The judges commented, “The nine works that passed the preliminary and final rounds encompassed a variety of genres from realism to comedy, sci-fi, romance, and queer,” and added, “The creators explored the complex threads of love in their own languages and sensibilities, presenting the beauty of moments that only short films can show.”
Byun Woo-seok stated, “All three works had a clear world and energy that was impressive,” and expressed his hope that this support, even if a small opportunity, would help in the creation process. After gaining explosive popularity last year with tvN’s ‘Seonjae Up and Jump’, Byun Woo-seok has been actively involved in donations and sponsorship activities.
The content of the three selected works is also drawing attention.
Park Jeong-bin’s ‘She Always’ captures the fierce desire of a lover on the brink of losing their humanity due to machines, striving to protect what is most precious.
Lee Joo-yong’s ‘Nowhere’ is a work that captures the lonely winter of a quick delivery worker and a toll booth collector living in a reality where the future cannot be guaranteed, receiving the most consistent support along with praise for its emotional resonance between dialogues.
Heo Ji-yoon’s ‘Didi Im Baal’ creatively unravels the excitement and regret of first love experienced by a girl with the ability to stop time.
The selected creators will hold a production support award and contract signing ceremony at the opening ceremony of the Seoul Independent Film Festival 2025. This project will provide an official meeting and a meaningful celebration with the creators.
Each selected work for ‘Shorts on 2025’ will receive an equal production budget of 30 million won, and Korea Rental will additionally provide equipment worth approximately 45 million won. Furthermore, practical support will be provided, including Baro Entertainment and expert mentoring, support from the executive producer, and connections for screening and distribution with the Seoul Independent Film Festival.
Meanwhile, the Seoul Independent Film Festival 2025, the largest cradle of Korean independent films, will be held for 9 days until December 5 (KST) at CGV Apgujeong and CGV Cheongdam Cine City.
