EN brief: 영진위 인디그라운드, 독립영화 무료 상영망 촘촘히 넓힌다 (culture) + 1 glossary term.
Summary
The Korean Film Council (KOFIC) has announced a significant expansion of its "Indieground" initiative. This project aims to improve the distribution and screening environment for independent and artistic Korean films by providing free community and educational screenings.
By moving beyond the traditional distribution networks dominated by large multiplex theaters, the initiative encourages an alternative culture where the public can directly plan and communicate through film. This year, the focus is on the "2025 Independent Film Library" selections.
Indieground has already seen success, collaborating with 81 organizations across Korea last year to hold 196 events. These screenings transformed local cafes, bookstores, and village halls in regions with fewer cultural opportunities—such as Busan, Gangwon, and Mokpo—into temporary cinemas.
In addition to community events, KOFIC is continuing its program to recommend independent films for youth. This project targets schools and educational settings to foster future audiences by providing online screening support for films with high educational value.
독립영화 (Dong-nip-yeong-hwa) refers to "Independent Film." In the Korean context, this typically means films produced outside of the major studio system (like CJ ENM or Lotte Entertainment), often with smaller budgets and a focus on the director's unique artistic vision or social commentary.
— I like independent films more than commercial movies.
On March 9, the Korean Film Council (KOFIC) revealed that Indieground, a center established to support the distribution of independent and art films, will offer free support for community-led and educational screenings. The goal is to create a "tighter" network of screening venues that reaches into the daily lives of citizens, rather than relying solely on major cinema chains.
Last year's efforts proved the demand for such a service. By partnering with nearly 100 local groups, Indieground reached approximately 2,000 viewers in areas that typically lack access to diverse cinema. Locations like Mokpo and various towns in Gangwon province saw non-traditional spaces like community centers and small bookstores turned into vibrant movie theaters for a night.
For the 2025 season, Indieground is introducing 92 films from its latest library selection. Notable titles include Director Lee Ran-hee’s "A Leave" (3학년 2학기), Jo Se-young’s "K-Number," and Yang Ju-yeon’s "Yangyang." These films have already garnered attention from critics and festival audiences alike.
Beyond just watching the movies, the program includes "Director Invitations," allowing audiences to engage in direct dialogue with the creators. Any group or organization wishing to host a screening and create a new space for art can apply through the official Indieground website until October 31.
Furthermore, the "Youth Recommended Independent Film" project is selecting ten films from the 2024 library specifically for their educational merit. These will be made available for immediate online screening in classrooms to help students develop a deeper appreciation for the medium of film.
Context
KOFIC (Korean Film Council) is a government-supported entity that promotes and supports the Korean film industry.
Indieground acts as a specialized hub under KOFIC specifically for the "indie" sector, which often struggles to compete with big-budget blockbusters.
Community screenings (공동체 상영) in Korea often involve local activists or residents organizing a viewing in a shared neighborhood space.
저는 상업영화보다 독립영화를 더 좋아해요.jeoneun saeobyeonghwaboda dokribyeonghwareul deo johahaeyo.
이번 영화제에서 주목할 만한 독립영화가 많이 상영됩니다.ibeon yeonghwajeeseo jumokhal manhan dokribyeonghwaga manhi sayeongdoepnida. — Many noteworthy independent films are being screened at this film festival.
