The festival includes groundbreaking Korean independent art and short films. (photo courtesy of KCCLA)

The Korean Cultural Center, Los Angeles is launching the inaugural “Los Angeles Korean Film Festival: New Waves, New Voices” taking place from Sept. 24-26 at the Harmony Gold Preview House and KCCLA.

Moving beyond commercial mainstream cinema, the landmark three-day event presents 19 groundbreaking Korean independent films, art films and shorts – many of which are making their North American premieres. The festival introduces new and artistic perspectives to Los Angeles audiences.

Korean filmmakers, actors, audiences and film professionals will come together in Los Angeles for the festival, 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 as well as guest visits, a 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. The title is the first Korean film selected for the Platform competition at the Toronto International Film Festival and a FIPRESCI Prize winner at the Warsaw International Film Festival.

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 in-person Q&A sessions.

Completing the main lineup, the Next Scene section presents seven award-winning short films from the prestigious 2026 Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival, Korea’s premier festival for visionary genre filmmakers. Expanding into modern cinematic frontiers, the festival will also host a special AI and Cinema program. The 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” and the screenings of two AI-crafted short films by graduates of the Korean Academy of Film Arts.

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

“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,” KCCLA Director Haedon Lee said.

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

All festival screenings and programs are free and open to the public.

The Harmony Gold Preview House is located at 7655 W. Sunset Blvd. The Korean Cultural Center, Los Angeles is located at 5505 Wilshire Blvd. For the full program and information visit la.korean-culture.org/en.