The Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria (Director Jun Juho) successfully hosted the 13th Korean Film Festival from August 21 to 23 at Silverbird Cinema in Abuja, welcoming nearly 1,000 local moviegoers. Now in its 13th edition, the festival introduced the richness of Korean cinema in Nigeria’s capital—home to the world’s second-largest film industry by production volume—further strengthening cultural exchange between the two nations.
 
The opening ceremony began with welcoming remarks by Director Jun Juho, followed by a congratulatory address delivered by an official from the Nigerian Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy. Director Jun emphasized the significance of sharing Korean stories with Nigerian audiences and expressed hope that the festival would continue to serve as a bridge for cultural cooperation. The Nigerian representative echoed this sentiment, highlighting the festival as a valuable opportunity for both nations to come closer through film.
 
Over three days, audiences enjoyed five Korean films across diverse genres—action, drama, comedy, and historical—including The Divine Move, Sunset in My Hometown, We Are Brothers, Fengshui, and Little Forest. The screenings drew enthusiastic responses from viewers. On August 22, in collaboration with the Nigerian Film Festivals Association (NFFA), the festival also featured local short films and a professional panel talk, providing a platform for dialogue and potential collaboration between the Nigerian and Korean film industries.
 
Beyond the screenings, audiences were treated to a vibrant cultural experience with side programs such as a photo zone, exhibition booths, and Korean snack tastings. The opening ceremony was attended by officials from Nigerian cultural and arts agencies, members of the local film and arts community, media representatives, and diplomats and cultural institutions from countries including Australia, France, China, and Japan, adding international significance to the occasion.
 
Audience feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Some participants remarked that the messages conveyed through Korean films deepened their interest in Korean cinema and dramas, while others highlighted the captivating storytelling of the historical film. Returning visitors noted that this year’s edition was more refined in both film selection and overall atmosphere, reflecting the festival’s continued growth.
 
Through this year’s festival, the Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria reaffirmed the global appeal of Korean cinema, strengthened partnerships with Nigerian film institutions and the diplomatic community, and laid the foundation for future cooperation. The Centre will continue to broaden opportunities for cultural exchange and understanding by showcasing Korean culture through film and other cultural initiatives.