Kim Young-chae, president of the Korea-Africa Foundation, delivers a speech at the opening ceremony of the Africa Film Festival held at a theater in Seoul, Tuesday. Courtesy of Korea-Africa Foundation
The Africa Film Festival, organized by the Korea-Africa Foundation, is showcasing the diversity, creativity and cultural depth of African cinema, bringing the vibrancy and rich narratives of the continent to Korean audiences
The seventh edition, which opened Tuesday, runs through June 15 and unfolds across three cities — in Seoul through May 26, in Busan from May 27 to June 1 and for the first time in Jeonju from June 12 to 15 — marking a significant expansion in its reach
Launched in 2019, the festival intends to break down negative stereotypes and introduce the many diverse facets of Africa through the power of film. Now in its seventh year, the festival continues to grow, offering a more comprehensive look at the continent’s cinematic landscape
Highlighting the festival’s mission to foster cultural exchange and mutual understanding, Kim Young-chae, president of the Korea-Africa Foundation, said in his opening remarks that “this festival is not just about watching films but about building strong bridges between Korea and Africa, and shaping a future based on mutual respect and understanding.”
“We are honored to have many ambassadors and diplomats with us this evening (at the opening ceremony). My special thanks go to the dean and members of the African Group of Ambassadors. We are opening the festival with a powerful film from Egypt, celebrating the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Egypt and Korea — a relationship that continues to deepen and expand,” Kim said
“Our foundation has been organizing the Africa Film Festival for seven consecutive years, holding events in Seoul and Busan, and for the first time this year, in Jeonju as well. This is a significant achievement in promoting African diversity and culture, made possible through the teamwork of the Korea-Africa Foundation, African embassies, the Busan Cinema Center and Jeonju City,” he added
Moroccan Ambassador to Korea Chafik Rachadi, who also serves as dean of the African Group of Ambassadors, speaks during the opening ceremony of the Africa Film Festival at a theater in Seoul, Tuesday. Korea Times photo by Baek Byung-yeul
Moroccan Ambassador to Korea Chafik Rachadi, who also serves as dean of the African Group of Ambassadors, echoed this sentiment
“This festival is more than just a cultural event. It is a celebration of Africa’s vibrant storytelling tradition and a powerful reminder of the deep connections that can be built through film. It also stands as a testament to Korea’s growing engagement with the African continent and to the importance of mutual understanding in our rapidly changing world,” the dean said
The 2025 edition features a record 15 films from 15 African countries, each selected on the recommendation of the African Group of Ambassadors in Korea
People attend the opening ceremony of the seventh annual Africa Film Festival at a theater in Seoul, Tuesday. Courtesy of Korea-Africa Foundation
The lineup spans genres from drama and documentary to thriller, adventure and comedy, providing a window into the realities, dreams and creativity of contemporary Africa. Countries represented include Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, Rwanda, Morocco, Burkina Faso, Sudan, Algeria, Uganda, Egypt, Zambia, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania and Tunisia
The opening film, Egypt’s “Photocopy” (2017), was chosen to celebrate the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Egypt. Directed by Tamer Ashry and the film follows Mahmoud, a retiree who finds new meaning and unexpected romance while running a small copy shop
Dabour attended the festival as a special guest, engaging with audiences in Seoul through post-screening talks, which he will also do in Busan. Also joining the festival is Tanzanian filmmaker Seko Shamte, whose film “Binti” won the Best Feature award at the 2021 Zanzibar International Film Festival
This year’s selections delve into a wide range of contemporary African themes — the harmony of tradition and modernity; the resilience and agency of women; the struggle for national identity and survival; and questions of identity and belonging. The festival also offers Korean audiences a rare opportunity to interact directly with African filmmakers through post-screening talks and Q&A sessions
