The 2025 International Marine Film Festival will take place from June 19 to June 22 at the Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae, Busan. This marks the festival’s eighth edition. This year’s theme, "Where the Sea Touches Us," symbolizes the connection between people, society, and the environment through the lens of the sea. It encourages reflections on current realities and future possibilities.
Festival organizers have curated an impressive selection of 33 marine films from 10 different countries. The opening film, "Sophia’s Shark Story," directed by Ignacio Walker and Denis Arqueros, explores the deep bond between humans and sharks through a female marine biologist’s perspective. In contrast, the closing film, "Sea Tiger," directed by Jung Yoon-Chul, poignantly narrates the life of the late diver Kim Kwan-hong, who played a vital role in recovery efforts after the Sewol ferry disaster.
Notable screenings include "If You Follow the Footprints" by Max Romi, which examines environmental themes through a personal journey in Alaska. Additionally, "Ocean Watch: To the Deep" by Leo Richards highlights the importance of deep-sea ecosystems and the urgent need for marine conservation. The domestic production "Sunny Day," featuring actor Choi Daniel, portrays emotional healing against a stunning marine backdrop, showcasing local storytelling.
The festival’s special programs will engage audiences with a unique screening of the film "Smuggling" by director Ryu Seung-wan. This event will feature a discussion alongside a reimagined soundtrack by music director Jang Ki-ha. Furthermore, the festival has expanded its support for local productions, receiving over 200 submissions and selecting 13 films for screening and awards. This initiative enriches the festival’s offerings and supports marine conservation efforts.
To foster meaningful dialogue, special sections will feature discussions on various marine issues in collaboration with marine-related organizations and experts. This initiative aims to deepen the audience’s understanding of the challenges facing our oceans today.
Tickets for the festival will be available for purchase starting June 10 through the cinema’s official website, with on-site sales during the festival. For more information, attendees can visit the festival’s official website and follow its updates on Instagram.
In a statement, the organizers expressed their commitment to sharing themes of healing, responsibility, and protection through diverse marine stories. They have received enhanced support from the Seoul Marine Promotion Corporation. As the festival approaches, it promises to be a significant event that celebrates marine cinema while advocating for ocean conservation.
This article has been written by Kpopmap AI writer and while we have made efforts to ensure the accuracy of the article, there may be errors or inaccuracies.