2026 UPDATE NEWS 3!!---------------------------------------------------------------------
Our homepage for 2026 renewed! You can have a glance on it!
https://swff.kr/

This year, we expanded the cinema for more of your films!
As the event is coming in 6 months time, we are so happy to experience your world.
Do not hesitate to submit your film!

2026 UPDATE NEWS 2!!---------------------------------------------------------------------

Best Mindlenews award
Best Mokpo choice award
Are added for 2026 SWFF!
Mindlenews award is given to a film that highlights the media aspect.
The Mokpo Choicd Award is an award given to a movie that highlights the artistic aspect.
There are no separate categories to choose from, and we will choose from all the invited works.

UPDATE NEWS!!------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SWFF signed a business agreement with NR1iff, one of Korea's top film festivals. Located in the south of Korea, NR1iff is scheduled to be held for the 13th time in 2026. The two festivals shared invitations to each other and promised to fully support films that fit the purpose. The invitations may also take place together, and we will promote each other's invited films at various side events. Join us for SWFF's powerful program, which has grown further next year!!

For more information, click the youtube link below to have a glance at NR1iff!
https://youtu.be/bqLU6OliYHk?si=CIuR_1FmBJqJ2D4r

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Come and join us!
We are one of the finest and most caring film festivals in Korea!

Here you can glance a little bit of our opening ceremony. (To be continued!)
https://www.youtube.com/@seoul_whistler_film_festival

Those of you eager to enjoy this great festival
Come and visit our newly ubdated website! (http://www.swff.kr/)
You can have a look at the cinema and our proudly introduced members!

We are an INDEPENDENT MOVIE FESTIVAL WITH
- Awards
- Photocall
- Artistic Recognition
- Networking
- Award ceremony
-After party and goods offering

Submit your film and participate the trendy film festival in Korea!

"The most expected film festival in Seoul 2024!"
" The IMDB Qualified festival with young, trendy and full of vibes"
" Dedicated 70 different jury members from various fieldsl!"
" Authentic film market is the MUST SEE event"
" People from K-movie industry are joining to fulfil the festival"
" Parties in the center of Seoul are offering the one and only fantastic experience!"

The SWFF Seoul Whislter Film Festival will be held from October 24~26th 2026!

We are so much delighted to meet you in October!
All the filmmakers all over the world are welcome in this festival.

GENERAL FESTIVAL INFORMATION

The SWFF Seoul Whislter Film Festival will be from October 24~26th 2026

Location
“The SWFF is full of rich programs that filmmakers and audiences can enjoy as a festival itself. Members of the organizing committee, full of experience in film production, will properly show what a film festival is in Seoul, which is ahead of the Korean trend as a cultural powerhouse.”

Judges
It is noteworthy that the judges are experts in various art fields. People gathered to tell their own stories courageously to society through various fields such as literature, art, criticism, movies, and documentaries. They want the selected works to be intense ones that can give voice to society.

Film Market
So naturally, you will have the opportunity to interact with artists from various fields and make your work more widely known. In particular, various film distributors located in Korea will also participate in the festival, and there will be opportunities for your work to be presented to a wider audience through the distribution market.

Various film distributors located in Hongdae will also participate in the festival, and there will be opportunities for your work to be introduced to a wider audience through the distribution market.

Hospitality
The strength of Koreans lies in parties and hospitality. When attending the festival, the SWFF will offer fantastic parties for invited filmmakers and offer dramatic benefits for accommodation and transportation. Because movie lovers deserve it.

What we are waiting from you
We are looking for movies that tell stories that you really want to tell the world, both socially and personally. Our festival prefers fresh stories, but even if not, films from different angles are welcome about a must-have story. We are supported by all genres and look forward to meeting you at the festival in October.

Another notable point is that it will be broadcast simultaneously online throughout the festival, and even if there are friends who can't come all the way to Seoul, they will be able to enjoy our festival at the same time.

Awards & Prizes

All films in the official selection will compete for awards in the following categories.

Film of the festival
Best Feature
Best Short
Best Documentary Short
Best Documentary Feature
Best Student Film
Best Mindlenews award
Best Mokpo choice award
The Award is a trophy. Its value is in the festival category, its jury, and the dissemination it is given. The prize is officially announced on the night of the Award and collected there.
The winner is not notified in advance. Exceptionally it could be communicated confidentially.

Rules & Terms

GENERAL ELIGIBILITY

These regulations apply to all submission categories:

1. Submitted films must have been completed on or after January 1, 2025.
2. Films must be submitted via FilmFreeway and include a working screener accessible via FilmFreeway in order to be considered.
3. The application fee is non-refundable.
4. SWFF prefers films to not have screened in Seoul prior to the festival's dates. If there are any questions regarding premiere status, please contact us at seoulwff@gmail.com
5. All submissions must be free from any legal disputes and the filmmaker must have cleared all rights for music and exhibition.
6. SWFF presents all films in their original language. Non-English language submissions must be accompanied by English subtitles.
7. Rough cuts and works-in-progress are eligible for entry, but the link must be clearly marked as such. The festival will only be able to consider one version of each film submitted, and does not accept replacement cuts for consideration. Please take this into account when deciding when to submit the film.
8. SWFF is not responsible for the return of any physical submission materials: DVDs, decks, posters, etc.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. All filmmakers will be notified of their status by August 24th, 2026, via email.
2. Due to the high volume of submissions, SWFF is unable to provide feedback on any films.

3.For any further questions, please contact us at seoulwff@gmail.com

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

By submitting an application, I agree to the following terms:

1. I am authorized to submit this film to the Seoul Whistler Film Festival.
2. All information provided in the application form is true, to the best of my knowledge.
3. If selected, grant SWFF the rights to use footage, stills and/or titles and information from the film for promotional purposes in all media and on the festival’s website.
4. I hold SWFF harmless from damage or loss of the print en route or otherwise during the course of the Festival's possession of the film.
5. This agreement constitutes approval that SWFF may present the film at the 2026 Seoul Whistler Film Festival.
12 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Yunbin AN

    The mission and vision of Seoul International Whistler Film Festival are truly meaningful, and I was deeply touched by the spirit behind the festival.

    The staff members, as well as the programmer and the guest who hosted the Q&A session for my film, offered thoughtful and professional interpretations of the work. Their insights showed a deep understanding of the film and added another layer of meaning to the screening experience. As a director, it was incredibly rewarding to have my film discussed with such care and respect.

    The overall atmosphere of the festival was warm and welcoming. It felt like a place where filmmakers are genuinely supported and where films are approached with sincerity and curiosity.

    I am truly grateful for this opportunity, and I would be very happy to submit and screen my next project at SIWFF as well.

    January 2026
    Helpful
  • 수목 김

    It was a great privilege to be invited to the Seoul Whistler Film Festival this year and to have the opportunity to screen our film.
    I was deeply impressed and full of respect upon realizing how many people have come together with dedication and shared purpose to make this festival possible. I was grateful to be part of moments filled with consideration, hospitality, warmth, and genuine emotion. I sincerely thank everyone who has worked so hard to discover and present meaningful films.

    I was especially pleased to be able to introduce the struggle of Korea Wiper through this film.
    The forum also provided a valuable opportunity to reflect once again on the process and significance of the Korea Wiper struggle. Those who appeared in the film were delighted by the invitation to the festival, and I am truly thankful for the precious opportunity to gather together.

    Although countless films are released into the world, opportunities to encounter the films shown at this festival are rare.
    I sincerely hope that the Seoul Whistler Film Festival will continue for many years to come, and that many films which deserve greater social attention will continue to meet wide audiences through this festival.

    December 2025
    Helpful
  • LIRON SHALIT

    It was a wonderful experience to be part of the Seoul Whistler Film Festival 2025!

    From the very start, the organizers were enthusiastic and communicated everything clearly and warmly. Upon arriving, the festival felt like a true celebration of film, activism, and culture, with participants and organizers openly sharing their experiences and showing genuine interest in one another’s work.

    The screening venue was a wonderful surprise, located in a beautiful area of Seoul, close to the palace as well as unique restaurants and art centers, which added to the overall experience.

    Over the course of the weekend, I made meaningful personal and professional connections with inspiring filmmakers and creators. I’m truly grateful to have screened my feature documentary in such a welcoming and thoughtfully curated festival.

    December 2025
    Helpful
  • YAKUP TEKİNTANGAÇ

    An Absolutely Wonderful Experience!
    It was a great honor to be part of the Seoul Whistler Film Festival's official selection this year with my international short film, 'Morî'.

    I want to give a huge thank you to the entire festival team for their superb communication and professionalism throughout the screening process.

    I am also incredibly grateful for their very thoughtful gesture of sending every selected director a beautiful trophy and a plaque, which truly shows how much they value the filmmakers and the films in their program.

    November 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much for the great review!!! Yakup, it was so much regretful that we could not meet up in person but we have to say WE LOVED YOUR FILM!!!! We wish you a best in the future work and hope to see you in the future too!

  • Jason Verney

    I knew of this festival from its previous year and therefore its inaugural year but this time I had the honour of having the Korean Premiere of my feature documentary, "S.E.W.O.L. - Sealed Eternally With Our Love" at SWFF.

    The organisers are a lovely bunch of caring people from all walks of life, and their hearts are in the right place. Their films particularly focus on human rights based stories and documentaries. This festival will get bigger and bigger! Thanks guys!

    November 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you Jason! We simply loved your film! Thank you for being with us this time! Also lets hang out again and again in the future!