Notice 4 Films in Present, Newly Launched Section at BIAF2025 2025-09-24 13:06

4 Films in Present, Newly Launched Section at BIAF2025
 
The 27th Bucheon International Animation Festival (BIAF2025) has newly introduced the Present section this year, showcasing four specially recommended animations. Among them, the Korean Academy of Film Arts (KAFA) mid-length film Cloudy Blue will have its world premiere.
 
Pompo the Cinephile
HIRAO Takayuki | 94’ | Japan | 2021

A heartfelt fable centered on the imaginative girl Pompo, this film explores the glamorous yet challenging world of filmmaking. Pompo adores B-movies and boldly supports rookie directors and forgotten actors, joining forces with a passionate team to bring films to life. Set in sunlit studios and idealized spaces, the story celebrates the dreams of moviemaking while subtly satirizing endless editing, the myth of genius directors, and the inherent pain and limits of collaboration in creation.
 
Your Letter
KIM Yong-hwan | 97’ | South Korea | 2024

Sori, bullied for helping a friend, transfers to a rural school and discovers a mysterious letter left behind by Hoyeon, who once sat in her seat. The film opens with a wide-angle shot of Seoul in early summer. Unlike the webtoon’s strong surrealism, the film renders time and space with realism while remaining distinctly Korean. The relationships and episodes between Sori and others unfold with coherence and depth. The transition from summer to autumn is beautifully portrayed, accompanied by refreshing, crystal-clear music that perfectly matches the mood. Lee Suhyun of AKMU, voicing Sori, adds extra sparkle to the character.
 
Sana LEE’s Sajupalja
LEE Jin-hwa | 38’50” | South Korea | 2025

Sana Lee, a 34-year-old intentional outsider, makes a living as a gig driver after being dishonorably discharged from the military. Having endured countless adversities, she sets out to change her palja (destiny). Accompanied by her shaman sister and a baby ghost who guides her through the spirit world, Sana embarks on an extraordinary journey to the realm where ancestor spirits record and safeguard sajupalja.
 
Cloudy Blue (World Premiere)
KANG Yu-min | 26’50” | South Korea | 2025

Brothers Gyeong-yeol and Gyeong-rok venture out whaling in stormy seas. A tragic accident claims Gyeong-rok’s life, leaving Gyeong-yeol to care for his orphaned nephew, Yeo-jin. Some time later, Gyeong-yeol is asked once more to join a whale hunt. He sets out into the storm again, driven by the hope of a better life.
 
The 27th Bucheon International Animation Festival will take place in Bucheon, South Korea, from October 24 to 28, 2025.