Spring Film Festivals Postponed One After Another Due to COVID-19 Spread

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jong-gil] Several film festivals scheduled for this spring have been postponed one after another. These include the Jeonju International Film Festival, Busan International Short Film Festival, and Incheon Diaspora Film Festival. All have been pushed back to after May, causing their schedules to overlap with other film festivals.

This is due to the impact of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). The Jeonju International Film Festival postponed its opening date from April 30 to May 28. It will be held until June 6 in Jeonju Film Street and Palbok Art Factory area in Jeonbuk. An official explained, "We decided to postpone because COVID-19 could pose a threat to the health and safety of festival guests and audiences."

On May 28, when the Jeonju International Film Festival opens, the Indie Documentary Festival will also take place. The Muju Mountain Film Festival, scheduled from June 4 to 8, and the Seoul Environmental Film Festival, scheduled from June 4 to 10, also partially overlap with the Jeonju International Film Festival. Difficulties are expected in guest invitations and other arrangements.

The Busan International Short Film Festival, originally scheduled for next month on the 22nd, has been postponed to the end of August. An official stated, "Due to COVID-19, the infection risk alert has been raised to a serious level," and added, "We decided to postpone the schedule to ensure everyone's safety and prevent the spread of COVID-19." They also mentioned, "Currently recruiting volunteers will be re-recruited after the festival schedule is finalized."

The Incheon Diaspora Film Festival, which was also scheduled to be held in May, has been postponed to September 18 to 22.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.