The Seoul International Environmental Film Festival (SIEFF), now in its 23rd year, is making a historic shift by entirely eliminating traditional theater-based screenings. For the first time in its 23-year history, the festival will adopt a new operational model through its 'SIEFF IN' program, enabling citizens across the nation to collectively experience environmental films. This significant change reflects the festival's strong commitment to broadening environmental awareness and fostering a citizen-driven cultural event.
Beyond Theaters: The 'SIEFF IN' Community Screening Program
The 23rd Seoul International Environmental Film Festival is moving away from its traditional theater-centric screening format, adopting a new approach centered on 'SIEFF IN,' a community screening support program. Designed to allow participation even without specialized screening facilities, this program offers any group, institution, or gathering of 20 or more people across the country the opportunity to watch festival films for free. This initiative aims to overcome the physical limitations of cinemas and provide more citizens with access to environmental films.
Participating organizations or groups can host screenings in various venues, such as school auditoriums, company conference rooms, or local cafes, from June 5 to 30. Community screenings are expected to foster deeper discussions and communication on environmental issues, as they can include supplementary programs like Q&A sessions with the audience, beyond mere film viewing. This method emphasizes promoting environmental awareness through cinema and revitalizing local cultural activities.
A New Approach: The Festival's Vision and Goals
The Seoul International Environmental Film Festival's complete overhaul of its operating model is rooted in a deep understanding of the unique nature of environmental issues. Co-Executive Director Lee Mi-kyung emphasized, “Environmental problems are not confined to specific regions or generations, so the environmental film festival should also expand beyond Seoul and spread nationwide.” This philosophy reflects the belief that, as environmental issues are global and universal, the festival must enhance accessibility to reach a broader audience.
The festival anticipates that 'SIEFF IN' will foster small, citizen-led cultural festivals in everyday settings. It aims to move beyond passive viewing, empowering citizens to actively plan and participate in screenings, thereby encouraging proactive thinking and action on environmental issues. This initiative is poised to play a crucial role in raising environmental awareness and promoting spontaneous cultural activities within communities.
Diverse Film Selection and Participation Information
This year's festival features a diverse selection of films covering various genres and themes, from in-depth works on major environmental issues like climate crisis, resource circulation, and biodiversity, to popular environmental films suitable for all ages. This aims to make environmental topics engaging and accessible not only to professional environmental activists but also to the general public. However, due to limited screening availability for some films, interested organizations are encouraged to apply early.
How to Apply for Community Screenings
Applications for community screenings can be submitted through the 'Community Screening Application' menu on the official Seoul International Environmental Film Festival website. The first application period concluded on May 15, with the second period running from May 21 to June 29. As one of the world's top three environmental film festivals and Asia's largest specialized environmental film festival, which began in 2004 and is now in its 23rd year, the Seoul International Environmental Film Festival is expected to convey the value and importance of the environment to even more people through this new initiative.
