KCCLA Launches Inaugural LA Korean Film Festival: New Waves, New Voices (Sept. 24–26)

The inaugural three-day festival brings 19 Korean independent, art and short films to Los Angeles, including North American premieres and special programs.

LOS ANGELES, CA, UNITED STATES, September 1, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- LOS ANGELES, CA – September 1, 2026 – The Korean Cultural Center, Los Angeles (KCCLA) is proud to announce the launch of the inaugural Los Angeles Korean Film Festival: New Waves, New Voices, taking place from September 24 to 26, 2026, at the Harmony Gold Preview House and KCCLA.

Moving beyond commercial mainstream cinema, this landmark three-day event presents 19 groundbreaking Korean independent, art, and short films—many of which are making their North American premieres—to introduce new and artistic perspectives to Los Angeles audiences.

The festival will bring Korean filmmakers, actors, audiences and film professionals together in Los Angeles, fostering communication and exchange between the Korean and U.S. film industries.

Curated by programmer Kim Young-woo, the festival features three core program sections alongside guest visits (GVs), special program on AI and networking events.

The New Voice section showcases six contemporary independent and art films, headlined by the opening film The World of Love directed by Yoon Ga-eun. Notably, this celebrated title is the first Korean film ever selected for the Platform competition at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and a FIPRESCI Prize winner at the Warsaw International Film Festival (WIFF).

The Spotlight section highlights four signature films remembering the two legendary figures in Korean cinema: acclaimed genre director Kim Jee-woon and iconic actor Yoo Ji-tae (Oldboy), both of whom will attend the festival as special guests for in-person Q&A sessions.

Completing the main lineup, the Next Scene section presents seven award-winning short films in their North American premieres from the prestigious 2026 Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival—Korea’s premier breeding ground for visionary genre filmmakers, whose alumni include director Na Hong-jin (Hope) and Jang Jae-hyun (Exhuma).

Expanding into modern cinematic frontiers, the festival will also host a special AI & Cinema program. This event explores the evolving role of artificial intelligence in the creative process through a panel discussion titled “Who Gets to Make a Movie? Cinema in the Age of AI” alongside screenings of two AI-crafted short films by graduates of the Korean Academy of Film Arts (KAFA).

Additionally, the festival will bring together visiting directors and actors, U.S. film industry professionals, and media guests for an exclusive Korean Cinema Night at the KCCLA.

KCCLA Director Haedon Lee said, “Los Angeles is a city where filmmakers and audiences from around the world come together. We hope this festival will add new and distinctive Korean voices and perspectives to that conversation and create opportunities for meaningful connection between the two film industries.”

The inaugural Los Angeles Korean Film Festival (LAKFF) is presented by the Korean Cultural Center, Los Angeles, in collaboration with the Korean Film Council (KOFIC), King Sejong Institute Center, U.S., Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival and Korean American Leaders in Hollywood (KALH).

All festival screenings and programs are free and open to the public. Advance registration is recommended. To view the full schedule and RSVP, please visit Eventbrite. Audiences are encouraged to visit KCCLA’s official website and follow its social media channels for the latest festival updates. //END//

FESTIVAL INFORMATION

2026 The 1st Los Angeles Korean Film Festival: New Waves, New Voices

Dates: September 24–26, 2026

Venues:

Harmony Gold Preview House

Korean Cultural Center Los Angeles (KCCLA)

Presented by: Korean Cultural Center Los Angeles

In collaboration with: Korean Film Council (KOFIC), King Sejong Institute Center, U.S., Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival, Korean American Leaders in Hollywood (KALH)

ABOUT KCCLA

The Korean Cultural Center, Los Angeles (KCCLA) is a government agency under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Republic of Korea and serves as the cultural arm of the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Los Angeles. KCCLA promotes Korean culture and fosters cultural exchange between Korea and the United States through a diverse range of programs spanning traditional heritage and contemporary art, film, music, literature and other cultural expressions.

Website: https://la.korean-culture.org/en

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kccla/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KCCLA

X: https://x.com/KCC_LA

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/VideoKCCLA

PRESS CONTACT

Urban Creator Inc.

PR & Media Communications for the 2026 LA Korean Film Festival

[Jun@urbancreator.net](mailto:Jun@urbancreator.net)

Guest participation, film lineup, schedule and program details are subject to change.

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