[BIFF Press Release] Applications now open for the CHANEL X BIFF Asian Film Academy 2026!
2026. 04. 06 11:04
[BIFF Press Release] Applications now open for the CHANEL X BIFF Asian Film Academy 2026!
Press Release |2026.04.06
2026 CHANEL X BIFF Asian Film Academy
Applications Now Open!
The Busan International Film Festival’s flagship education program, CHANEL X BIFF Asian Film Academy, will begin accepting applications for its 2026 edition starting April 6.
Eight Perspectives Shaping the Future of Asian Cinema
Applications Open Until May 1 (Fri) 18:00 KST
The CHANEL X BIFF Asian Film Academy is a film education program dedicated to discovering and nurturing the next generation of filmmakers who will lead Asian cinema.
For more than a century, CHANEL has supported the arts with a strong commitment to fostering future generations. Since joining as co-host in 2022, CHANEL has continued to support the Academy by helping create an environment where emerging talents can explore, experiment, and develop their own answers across every stage of filmmaking.
This year’s CHANEL X BIFF Asian Film Academy will continue the “eight short films production” curriculum, first introduced in 2024 and proven highly effective in strengthening fellows’ practical skills. Among the 24 selected participants, eight directing fellows will take the lead in completing works that reflect their distinct creative visions. Through this process, participants will gain hands-on experience in an efficient international co-production system while demonstrating their artistic vision.
The program, running for 20 days from September 26, will culminate in short films to be presented during the 31st Busan International Film Festival. In addition, participants will gain first-hand insights from internationally renowned filmmakers through workshops, mentoring sessions, and masterclasses. Continued support will also be provided after the program through scholarship initiatives to further enhance their professional development.
Since its inception in 2005, the Asian Film Academy has nurtured 454 emerging filmmakers from 35 countries over the past two decades, contributing to new visions in Asian cinema. Building on its longstanding educational foundation and partnership with CHANEL, BAFA continues to evolve as a leading platform shaping the future of Asian filmmaking.
Applications for the 2026 CHANEL X BIFF Asian Film Academy will be open from April 6 (Mon) 10:00 to May 1 (Fri) 18:00 KST via online submission. Final results will be announced in late June. Detailed application guidelines and schedules are available on the official website.
○ Host : CHANEL, Busan International Film Festival
