Seoul International Women's Film Festival (SIWFF)

Overview

The Seoul International Women's Film Festival (SIWFF) is Asia's largest women's film festival. Founded in 1997 and held annually in May and June in Seoul, the festival celebrates cinema by and about women with competitive programming that spans Korean and international filmmaking.

SIWFF was founded at a moment when Korean society was undergoing rapid changes in gender relations, and the festival has been an important platform for feminist perspectives within Korean cinema and culture. The festival also celebrates international women's filmmaking, with programming that represents women directors from all regions of the world.

The festival's Seoul location and its connections with Korean feminist organizations and women's studies programs give it an activist dimension alongside its cinematic mission.

Key Sections

• International Competition -- films by women directors competing for jury prizes
• Korean Women's Film -- new films by Korean women directors
• Documentary Competition -- nonfiction films by women
• Short Film Competition -- short films by women directors
• Queer Women's Cinema -- films addressing LGBTQ+ women's experiences
• Young Director Award -- for emerging women filmmakers

What Filmmakers Should Know

SIWFF accepts open submissions from women directors. For Korean women filmmakers, the festival provides the most important dedicated domestic platform. For international women directors, SIWFF provides access to Korea's large, engaged cinema audience and to the Korean feminist community that attends the festival.

Major Awards

• Iris Award -- Best Film by a Woman Director
• Special Jury Prize
• Best Korean Film
• Young Director Award
• Audience Award

Festival History

SIWFF was founded in 1997 and has grown into Asia's largest dedicated women's film festival, operating continuously for nearly three decades.

See Also

For women in filmmaking, see Independent Filmmaking Strategies. For Korean cinema, see International Film Markets.