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Busan International Kids & Youth Film Festival returns with expanded program and new venues
Haps Magazine Korea
July 6, 2026
(Photo by BIKY courtesy of Haps Magazine Korea)
The 21st Busan International Kids & Youth Film Festival (BIKY) will return from July 8 to 14, featuring a larger film lineup, expanded venues, and several new programs after regaining national government funding this year.
Held under the theme “Kids, Let’s Go on a Picnic,” this year’s festival will screen 181 films from 41 countries, an increase from last year’s 172 films from 44 countries.
After missing out on government funding for two consecutive years—including during its 20th anniversary in 2025—the festival secured national support for 2026, allowing organizers to expand programming and strengthen the event.
One of the biggest changes this year is the expansion into western Busan. While previous editions centered primarily around the Busan Cinema Center, official screenings will now also take place at Lotte Cinema Busan Myeongji and the Nakdong Art Center in Gangseo-gu.
The opening ceremony will be held at the Busan Cinema Center on July 8, while the closing ceremony will take place at the Nakdong Art Center on July 14.
Several new programs have also been added to this year’s festival.
A new competition section, “Ready~Action! AI & Creative,” will showcase six films created by young filmmakers using artificial intelligence, highlighting new approaches to youth filmmaking alongside the festival’s existing youth director competition.
BIKY will also introduce its first “BIKY Career Fair,” where children and teenagers can meet professionals from a variety of fields.
Scheduled speakers include dancer Aiki, neuroscientist Jung Jae-seung, actor Park Jung-min, attorney Lee Young-hee, Buddhist monk Sunjae, and former Lotte Giants player and baseball commentator Jung Hoon.
In addition, parents can attend “Anxious Concert in BIKY,” a lecture program on July 11 featuring education experts discussing creativity and career development for children growing up in the AI era.
Screenings and activities are taking place at the Busan Cinema Center, the Korean Film Council, the Busan Media Center, the Nakdong Art Center, and Lotte Cinema Busan Myeongji.