Hwaseong City Media Center Film Festival Attracts 3,000 Participants, Three Times More Than Expected

The Hwaseong City Media Center of the Hwaseong City Culture and Tourism Foundation (CEO Ahn Pil-yeon) successfully concluded the citizen-participatory film culture program '2026 Hwaseong IN Cinema' on September 5, with approximately 3,000 citizens participating.

This year, 'Hwaseong IN Cinema' changed its venue from the existing Songbangcheon 5 Bridge in Dongtan 7-dong and completely reorganized its programs to operate as a new type of film culture program. Approximately 3,000 citizens visited the venue, showing high interest and response, which was about three times more than the initial expected number of spectators.

Moving away from the existing screening method centered on commercial films, a program was prepared to showcase the creative works of citizens and children together. In particular, by holding previews for AI films produced directly by citizens and 'Cho-cho-yeonghwa' (ultra-short films) produced by elementary school students, the event was operated as a cultural festival that provided opportunities for citizens to participate as creators of film and media content rather than mere spectators.

Diverse film programs for family-unit spectators also continued. Including 'Magic Candies,' based on the fairy tale by author Baek Heena, short film sections such as 'June' and AI invited works were screened, providing time for children and parents to watch films and share stories together.

Along with this, experience programs where spectators could directly experience AI technology also gained great popularity. On-site, unique experience zones where anyone could easily enjoy cutting-edge technology were operated, such as customized media experiences using 'AI Photo Printers' and 'AI Omok' matches, drawing a continuous stream of visitors.

Ahn Pil-yeon, CEO of the Hwaseong City Culture and Tourism Foundation, said, "'2026 Hwaseong IN Cinema' was newly configured so that citizens can introduce content they made themselves and families can enjoy films together. As more citizens visited the venue than expected, we will continue to expand citizens' creation and participation and steadily increase various programs so that media culture can be enjoyed in daily life."

Introduction to Hwaseong City Culture and Tourism Foundation

The Hwaseong City Culture and Tourism Foundation operates various projects so that Hwaseong citizens can encounter and enjoy culture and arts in their daily lives. It develops cultural content utilizing Hwaseong City's unique cultural resources, supports local artistic activities, and provides high-quality cultural services such as performances, festivals, and exhibitions. Furthermore, it realizes culture and education that anyone in the entire Hwaseong City can enjoy through operating facilities such as the Dongtan Complex Culture Center, Hwaseong City Media Center, Hwaseong City Living Culture Center, and Hwaseong City Library, as well as visiting culture and arts services.

◆ At a Glance

· Issuing Institution: Hwaseong City Culture and Tourism Foundation

· Category: Film, Local Government, Hwaseong City Culture and Tourism Foundation

· Distribution: September 8, 2026, at 4:31 PM

Source: Hwaseong City Culture and Tourism Foundation Press Release (Newswire)

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