Busan International Kids and Youth Film Festival (BIKY)
Asia's most important film festival dedicated to films for children and young audiences, held annually in May-June in Busan, South Korea, celebrating youth cinema from across the globe.
Overview
The Busan International Kids and Youth Film Festival (BIKY) is Asia's most important film festival dedicated to films for children and young audiences. Founded in 2002 and held annually in late May and June in Busan, the festival screens films from around the world targeting young viewers from early childhood through adolescence.
BIKY reflects South Korea's substantial investment in children's and youth media, which has produced animation, live action films, and educational content that is internationally respected. The festival provides a competitive platform for the best children's and youth cinema globally and serves as an important educational resource for Korean children and families.
The festival's location in Busan, alongside the much larger Busan International Film Festival, gives BIKY access to a city with strong film infrastructure and an internationally connected cinema community.
Key Sections
- Feature Film Competition -- children's and youth features from around the world
- Short Film Competition -- short films for young audiences
- Animation Competition -- animated features and shorts
- Korean Film Showcase -- new Korean children's cinema
- School Programs -- screenings and educational activities for school groups
What Filmmakers Should Know
BIKY accepts open submissions. For filmmakers whose work targets young audiences, BIKY provides the most important competitive platform in Asia. The festival's connections with Asian broadcasters and educational distributors create commercial opportunities alongside the festival recognition.
The festival's educational screening program, which brings school groups to screenings during the festival, provides unusually direct engagement with actual young audiences.
Major Awards
- Grand Prix -- Best Feature Film
- Best Short Film
- Best Animation
- Audience Award
Festival History
BIKY was founded in 2002 as a complement to the Busan International Film Festival, bringing the festival city's expertise to the specialized area of children's and youth cinema. The festival has grown into Asia's leading platform for this genre.
See Also
For children's filmmaking, see Independent Filmmaking Strategies. For festival strategy, see Film Festival Strategy.
