Is there a future for Korean cinema?

“‘2025 was a year full of hit films and hope,’ is what I wish I could say…” Actor Moon So-ri, who served as the host, opened the event with bitter humor. The 26th Women in Film Korea Festival, held on the afternoon of Dec. 16 at IndieSpace, an independent cinema in Mapo District, Seoul, served as a stark reflection on the current state of Korean cinema, caught between despair and hope. The ceremony featured the presentation of the Women in Film Awards, with independent films taking home most of the honors. The top prize went to director Yoon Ga-eun for “The World of Love,” whose lead, Seo Soo-bin, also won Best New Actress. “People and Meat” received the Producer Award, given to Jang So-jung, head of Dorothy Film, and the Screenplay Award for Lim Namu. Director Lee Ran-hee won Best Director for “The Final Semester,” while Han Ye-ri took Best Actress for “Spring Night.” Among commercial films, “Omniscient Reader” was the only title to be recognized, with cinematographer Jeon Hye-jin winning the Technical Award. The results mirrored the reality faced by Korea