Program Timetable
Program Timetable
The debut three-day event showcases 19 Korean independent, art and short films in Los Angeles, including North American premieres and special programming.
Los Angeles is a place where filmmakers and audiences from all over the world converge.”— 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) is pleased to unveil the first edition of the 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 away from commercial blockbusters, this milestone three-day gathering presents 19 innovative Korean independent, art, and short films—many being shown for the first time in North America—to bring fresh and artistic viewpoints to LA audiences.
The festival will unite Korean directors, performers, viewers, and cinema professionals in Los Angeles, encouraging dialogue and exchange between the Korean and American film sectors.
Organized by programmer Kim Young-woo, the event comprises three main programming sections along with guest visits (GVs), a special AI-focused program, and networking opportunities.
The New Voice section features six modern independent and art films, led by the opening picture The World of Love, helmed 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 spotlights four signature films that honor two legendary figures in Korean cinema: admired genre director Kim Jee-woon and iconic actor Yoo Ji-tae (Oldboy). Both will be present at the festival as special guests for in-person Q&A sessions.
Rounding out the primary 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 top training ground for visionary genre filmmakers, whose alumni include director Na Hong-jin (Hope) and Jang Jae-hyun (Exhuma).
Venturing into contemporary cinematic frontiers, the festival will also feature a dedicated AI & Cinema program. This segment examines the changing role of artificial intelligence in the creative process via a panel discussion titled “Who Gets to Make a Movie? Cinema in the Age of AI” together with screenings of two AI-produced short films by graduates of the Korean Academy of Film Arts (KAFA).
Furthermore, the festival will assemble visiting directors and actors, U.S. film industry professionals, and media guests for an exclusive Korean Cinema Night at the 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 first Los Angeles Korean Film Festival (LAKFF) is organized 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 complimentary and open to the public. Early registration is advised. For the full schedule and to RSVP, please visit Eventbrite. Audiences are encouraged to check KCCLA’s official website and follow its social media channels for the latest festival updates. //END//
FESTIVAL INFORMATION
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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