Jungnang-gu said the short film "Gia," produced through the Jungnang Yangwon Media Center's 2025 Children's Film School, has been selected as an official competition entry in the International Children's Director Competition section of the 14th Seoul International Children's Film Festival.
"Gia" is a 4-minute, 37-second narrative film made through the media center's 2025 Children's Film School. Told from a child's perspective, it follows the conflict and reconciliation that unfold when a girl named Yuna grows close to a new transfer student, Gia, during a family trip.
Twenty-five children in grades four through six took part in the 2025 Children's Film School, completing a total of four short films, including "Gia." The participants took on roles as directors, assistant directors, cinematographers and actors, gaining hands-on experience in every stage of filmmaking — from writing scripts to performing, shooting and editing.
The 14th Seoul International Children's Film Festival runs from Sept. 10 to Sept. 15 at Lotte Cinema Eunpyeong and the Eunpyeong Culture and Arts Center. "Gia" is one of eight films from three countries selected for the official competition out of 162 submissions to the International Children's Director Competition section.
"Gia" will screen at 11 a.m. on Sept. 12 and Sept. 13, with a director's talk session scheduled for 12:30 p.m. on Sept. 12. The children who made the film and their families are expected to attend and share their production experiences with the audience. Winners will be determined by a jury of about 250 children.
The Jungnang Yangwon Media Center runs a range of film education programs for residents of all ages, offering opportunities to experience filmmaking and creative production. This year's 2026 Children's Film School drew 19 children, who produced two short films.
Works completed through the center's filmmaking education and support programs have also gained recognition at festivals at home and abroad. An AI film, "Naeilro Ganeun Mun," has been selected for domestic and international festivals, while the short film "Jogeum Gin Dokbaek" screened in the competition section of the Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival, helping to expand the local filmmaking community.
Jungnang-gu District Mayor Ryu Gyeong-gi said it was meaningful that a work planned and produced by children in the district would reach audiences through a film festival, and pledged to continue supporting a variety of educational programs so children can learn and create through film.
seouldream01@heraldcorp.com
