The 27th Seoul International Film Festival (제27회 서울국제영화제) will open from April 10 to April 20, with the opening film announced as 파묘. This edition is set to present roughly 200 films and features an expanded program and audience activities.

Festival overview

The festival, now in its 27th year, will run over ten days beginning April 10 and closing April 20. Organizers have selected the film 파묘 as the official opening work, and available program notes indicate the event will screen approximately 200 films across its various sections. Over the years the festival has grown into one of Asia’s prominent film events, and this edition continues that trajectory with a broad slate of titles.

International competition and Korean cinema

One notable feature of this year’s lineup is the presence of multiple Korean films within the international competition. While specific competition titles beyond the opening film were not listed in the provided material, the emphasis on Korean entries in the international slate underlines the festival’s role in showcasing domestic cinema on a global stage and in promoting Korean filmmakers within competitive contexts.

Audience engagement and special events

Organizers are also expanding opportunities for audience participation, including a star selfie event and other fan-focused activities intended to deepen engagement between filmmakers, stars, and viewers. These initiatives reflect a broader push to make the festival experience more interactive and accessible to cinema fans, complementing the screenings with on-site events that invite public involvement.

The announcement, reported by 한겨레 on April 4, 2026, situates this year’s edition within consistent cultural coverage and ranking attention. According to the provided source notes, repeated reporting in cultural news and exhibition coverage underscores the festival’s continuing significance in South Korea’s cultural calendar. Readers interested in program details and ticketing should watch for the festival’s official updates as the opening date approaches.