'Let's Go on a Picnic, Kids': Busan International Film Festival for Youth Opens

The 21st Busan International Kids & Youth Film Festival (BIKY) kicked off on July 8 at the Sky Theater of the Busan Cinema Center, presenting a significantly revamped program under the slogan 'Let's Go on a Picnic, Kids.' This year's festival aims to be more than just a film screening event, transforming into a cultural and artistic playground led by children and teenagers. A diverse lineup of prominent figures will engage with young attendees. This includes KAIST professor and scientist Jung Jae-seung, dancer AiKi, actor and publisher Park Jung-min, monk Seonjae, lawyer Lee Young-hee, and baseball commentator Kang Hoon. They will participate in the newly introduced 'Biki Job-haksa-jeon' program, sharing insights on careers and life stories with the youth. This year's masterclass features director Yoon Ga-eun, known for her films 'Our School' and 'The World of Us' that resonate deeply with young audiences. Screenings will include her short films, alongside 1990s Korean children's classics like 'Kid Cop,' 'Young Shim,' and 'Mind Your Business.' Director Lee Jun-ik, who debuted with 'Kid Cop,' will also attend to discuss the films. The festival's 'Biki Classic' section will spotlight the works of Iranian master Abbas Kiarostami, screening seven of his feature films, including the widely acclaimed 'Where Is the Friend's Home?,' which has touched both children and adult audiences. The international competition, 'Ready~ Action!', will showcase 40 films from 14 countries, selected by the youth executive committee 'Bikiz' from 451 submissions worldwide. Additionally, six films from the newly established AI & Creative category will be presented. Beyond film screenings, BIKY has created the 'MOKA Art Playground,' bringing key content from the Modern Children's Book Art Museum (MOKA) in Pangyo and Namyangju. The festival grounds will also host various performances combining music, art, and performance. The festival runs until July 14 across Busan, featuring a total of 179 films from 41 countries.

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This year's festival aims to be more than just a film screening event, transforming into a cultural and artistic playground led by children and teenagers.