Schedule of Events
Schedule of Events
Spanning three days, the debut festival brings 19 Korean independent, art, and short films to Los Angeles, featuring North American premieres and specialized programming.
Los Angeles is a city where filmmakers and audiences from around the world come together.”— Haedon Lee, Director, KCCLALOS ANGELES, CA, UNITED STATES, September 1, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — LOS ANGELES, CA – September 1, 2026 – The Korean Cultural Center, Los Angeles (KCCLA) has announced the launch of its first-ever Los Angeles Korean Film Festival: New Waves, New Voices, scheduled for September 24 through 26, 2026, at the Harmony Gold Preview House and KCCLA.
Stepping outside the realm of mainstream commercial cinema, this landmark three-day event presents 19 groundbreaking Korean independent, art, and short films—many receiving their North American premieres—to introduce fresh and artistic viewpoints to audiences in Los Angeles.
The festival will unite Korean directors, actors, viewers, and industry professionals in Los Angeles, encouraging dialogue and exchange between the Korean and U.S. film sectors.
Programmer Kim Young-woo has curated the event, which includes three core program sections along with guest visits (GVs), a special AI program, and networking opportunities.
The New Voice section features six contemporary independent and art films, led by the opening selection The World of Love, directed by Yoon Ga-eun. Notably, this acclaimed work is the first Korean film ever chosen for the Platform competition at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and earned a FIPRESCI Prize at the Warsaw International Film Festival (WIFF).
The Spotlight section highlights four signature films that honor two legendary figures in Korean cinema: celebrated genre director Kim Jee-woon and iconic actor Yoo Ji-tae (Oldboy), both of whom will attend the festival as special guests for in-person Q&A sessions.
Rounding out the main lineup, the Next Scene section presents seven award-winning short films in their North American premieres from the prestigious 2026 Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival—Korea’s leading incubator for visionary genre filmmakers, whose alumni include director Na Hong-jin (Hope) and Jang Jae-hyun (Exhuma).
Expanding into contemporary cinematic frontiers, the festival will also host a special AI & Cinema program. This event examines the changing role of artificial intelligence in the creative process through a panel discussion titled “Who Gets to Make a Movie? Cinema in the Age of AI,” alongside screenings of two AI-generated short films created by graduates of the Korean Academy of Film Arts (KAFA).
Furthermore, the festival will bring together visiting directors and actors, U.S. film industry professionals, and media guests for an exclusive Korean Cinema Night at KCCLA.
KCCLA Director Haedon Lee stated, “Los Angeles is a city where filmmakers and audiences from around the world come together. We hope this festival will add new and distinctive Korean voices and perspectives to that conversation and create opportunities for meaningful connection between the two film industries.”
The inaugural Los Angeles Korean Film Festival (LAKFF) is presented by the Korean Cultural Center, Los Angeles, in partnership with the Korean Film Council (KOFIC), King Sejong Institute Center, U.S., Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival, and Korean American Leaders in Hollywood (KALH).
All festival screenings and programs are free and open to the public. Advance registration is recommended. To view the full schedule and RSVP, please visit Eventbrite. Audiences are encouraged to visit KCCLA’s official website and follow its social media channels for the latest festival updates. //END//
FESTIVAL DETAILS
2026 The 1st Los Angeles Korean Film Festival: New Waves, New Voices
Dates: September 24–26, 2026
Venues:
Harmony Gold Preview House
Korean Cultural Center Los Angeles (KCCLA)
Presented by: Korean Cultural Center Los Angeles
In collaboration with: Korean Film Council (KOFIC), King Sejong Institute Center, U.S., Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival, Korean American Leaders in Hollywood (KALH)
ABOUT KCCLA
The Korean Cultural Center, Los Angeles (KCCLA) is a government agency under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Republic of Korea and serves as the cultural arm of the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Los Angeles. KCCLA promotes Korean culture and fosters cultural exchange between Korea and the United States through a diverse range of programs spanning traditional heritage and contemporary art, film, music, literature and other cultural expressions.
Website: https://la.korean-culture.org/en
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kccla/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KCCLA
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/VideoKCCLA
PRESS CONTACT
Urban Creator Inc.
PR & Media Communications for the 2026 LA Korean Film Festival
[Jun@urbancreator.net](mailto:Jun@urbancreator.net)
Guest participation, film lineup, schedule and program details are subject to change.
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