Seoul International Short Film Festival selects 119 films from 3,004 entries from 74 countries to screen in October

The '18th Seoul International Short Film Festival (2026 SESIFF)' has finalized the works advancing to the competition main stage this year.

Through the open call held from July 4 to July 31, a total of 3,004 films from 74 countries were submitted to this year's festival. Among these, a total of 119 films were selected as competition finalists after preliminary screening. The competition categories are divided into ultra-short films with a running time of 3 minutes and 30 seconds or less, and short films of around 20 minutes. The finalists include 13 international and 8 domestic ultra-short films, 28 international and 21 domestic short films, 20 international and 17 domestic AI competition films, and 12 New Generation competition films. The international finalists represent 27 countries.

Launched in 2009 as Asia's first ultra-short film festival, the Seoul International Short Film Festival has been discovering new cinematic languages and possibilities within short running times. In particular, this 18th edition focuses on more clearly revealing the identity of 'ultra-short films' amidst the rapidly changing video environment.

◇ Films that are more intense because they are short... Re-expanding the possibilities of ultra-short films

In this year's competition categories, one can more broadly explore the creative possibilities held by short formats. Various films have advanced to the main stage, ranging from works that compress stories and emotions within a limited time to works that experiment with new images and forms.

In particular, the ultra-short film competition (13 international, 8 domestic, total 21) intensively showcases the aesthetics of short films that the Seoul International Short Film Festival has consistently focused on for the past 18 years. As short-form content has become an everyday visual language today, the festival re-illuminates the value and possibility of ultra-short films that create a complete cinematic experience within a short time, going beyond mere 'short videos.'

◇ From AI to the discovery of new directors... Expanding competition programs

Reflecting the changing video production environment, the AI competition (20 international, 17 domestic, total 37) was newly established this year. As new technologies, including generative AI, are rapidly establishing themselves as tools for video production, the festival examines not only the novelty of the technology itself but also how creators combine it with cinematic imagination.

The New Generation competition (12 domestic), aimed at discovering new filmmakers, also continues this year. It introduces works by rookie creators with new sensibilities and possibilities, providing opportunities that can lead to their next works through theatrical screenings and meetings with audiences.

Along with this, in the short film competition (28 international, 21 domestic, total 49), one can encounter works that present deeper narratives and various genre attempts within a longer running time than ultra-short films. The festival is expected to broadly show the current trends of short films as ultra-short and short films, traditional film production methods and new creative methods using AI, and existing directors and new generation directors harmonize within a single festival.

◇ The 18th Seoul International Short Film Festival, for 6 days starting October 23

The finalist works will meet audiences through the 18th Seoul International Short Film Festival, which will be held for six days from Friday, October 23 to Wednesday, October 28. After the main stage judging, the winners for each competition category will also be determined.

In addition to screening competition works, this year's festival will present various programs such as domestic and international special exhibitions, international exchange programs, GV (Guest Visit) sessions where directors and audiences meet directly, and programs for discovering rookie creators, expanding the touchpoints where short films meet audiences across theaters, online, borders, and generations.

The Seoul International Short Film Festival is an international competition film festival that has continuously introduced the possibilities of short films since its launch in 2009. In addition to discovering domestic and international rookie directors and screening their works, it has expanded international screening opportunities for Korean short and ultra-short films through exchanges with overseas film festivals.

Detailed information regarding the finalists of the 18th Seoul International Short Film Festival and future screening programs will be released sequentially through the festival's official website.

Introduction to Seoul International Short Film Festival

The Seoul International Short Film Festival has expanded its exchange programs to settle the global network in the region with the motto 'Ultra-short films even shorter, short films even longer,' and strengthens the foundation for short filmmakers, paving the way for directors starting their film careers to shine in the world as special directors. The Seoul International Short Film Festival aims to be a cultural step that everyone can join, anytime, anywhere.

List of finalists for the 2026 18th Seoul International Short Film Festival.pdf

List of finalists: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1bh5_ufngqH...

◆ At a Glance

· Issuing Organization: Seoul International Short Film Festival

· Category: Film, Seoul International Short Film Festival

· Distribution: September 8, 2026, 2:00 PM

Source: Seoul International Short Film Festival Press Release (Newswire)

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