Deadline: 04-Sep-2026
The France-Korea Film Academy is an international film development initiative created to strengthen collaboration between French and Korean cinema professionals.
The programme supports filmmakers by providing:
- Feature film project development support
- Professional mentoring
- Artistic exchange opportunities
- International networking
- Industry workshops
- Masterclasses with experienced film professionals
- Cross-cultural collaboration between French and Korean directors
The Academy focuses specifically on helping emerging filmmakers successfully develop their first feature-length fiction films.
Purpose of the Programme
The main objective of the France-Korea Film Academy is to create a long-term creative bridge between the French and Korean film industries.
The programme aims to:
- Support the next generation of filmmakers
- Encourage international co-creation
- Develop strong first feature film projects
- Promote exchange between French and Korean cinema communities
- Provide access to professional expertise
- Strengthen global film industry connections
Programme Organisers
The France-Korea Film Academy is jointly organised by:
- French National Centre for Cinema and the Moving Image (CNC)
- Korean Academy of Film Arts (KAFA)
Both organisations contribute expertise in filmmaker training, cinema development, and professional networking.
Programme Focus Areas
The Academy focuses on several key areas of filmmaker development.
Feature Film Project Development
Participants will develop their first feature-length live-action fiction film projects through:
- Script development support
- Creative discussions
- Professional feedback
- Individual mentoring
- Project refinement sessions
The programme helps filmmakers strengthen their artistic vision and prepare projects for future production opportunities.
Artistic Dialogue and Cultural Exchange
The Academy encourages collaboration between French and Korean filmmakers.
Participants will:
- Exchange creative perspectives
- Explore different filmmaking approaches
- Learn about each country’s cinema culture
- Develop international professional relationships
Professional Mentoring
Selected directors receive guidance from experienced professionals.
Mentoring may cover:
- Screenwriting development
- Film production processes
- Creative decision-making
- International project development
- Industry expectations
Film Industry Networking
Participants will connect with professionals from both countries’ film industries.
Networking opportunities include meetings with:
- Directors
- Producers
- Screenwriters
- Film industry representatives
- Cultural organisations
Masterclasses and Workshops
Participants will attend sessions led by recognised film professionals.
Activities may include:
- Filmmaking masterclasses
- Industry workshops
- Creative discussions
- Professional training sessions
Programme Structure and Timeline
The France-Korea Film Academy will take place across two international sessions.
First Session: Paris, France
Dates:
- 23 November to 2 December 2026
The first phase will bring participants together in Paris for:
- Workshops
- Professional meetings
- Mentoring sessions
- Artistic exchanges
- Industry discussions
Second Session: Seoul, South Korea
Timing:
- Spring 2027
- Exact dates to be confirmed
The Seoul session will continue project development and strengthen collaboration between French and Korean participants.
Participant Pairing and Collaboration
Participants will be paired by the CNC and KAFA teams.
The pairing process aims to:
- Encourage creative exchange
- Build international partnerships
- Support mutual learning
- Promote collaboration between filmmakers
Participants will work together while exploring the similarities and differences between French and Korean cinema industries.
Benefits for Selected Filmmakers
Selected filmmakers will receive:
- Feature film development support
- Access to international film professionals
- Personalised mentoring
- Creative feedback
- Industry networking opportunities
- Exposure to French and Korean cinema ecosystems
- Opportunities for future international collaboration
The programme provides a platform for filmmakers to expand their professional networks and strengthen their first feature film projects.
Who Can Apply?
The programme is open to emerging French filmmakers who meet specific eligibility requirements.
Applicants must:
- Be an emerging director
- Have directed at least one short film
- Have a short film selected for a film festival
- Submit a proposal for their first feature-length live-action fiction film
- Demonstrate ability to work in an international environment
- Have a good command of English
Selection of French Participants
A total of six French directors will be selected.
The selection will include:
- Three graduates of La Fémis
- Three directors from other professional or educational backgrounds
The selection aims to create a diverse group of filmmakers with different experiences and creative perspectives.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit materials demonstrating their artistic background and feature film project.
Required information includes:
- Professional biography
- Artistic background
- Short film experience
- Feature film project proposal
- Motivation for participating
- Ability to collaborate internationally
Project Requirements
The proposed film project must be:
- The applicant’s first feature-length film
- A live-action fiction film
- Suitable for professional development through international mentoring
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Clear artistic vision
- Strong creative potential
- Commitment to developing the project
How the Selection Process Works
Applications are reviewed by an expert committee.
The evaluation considers:
Artistic and Professional Background
The committee assesses:
- Previous filmmaking experience
- Quality of previous work
- Creative achievements
- Professional development potential
Quality of the Film Project
Reviewers evaluate:
- Originality of the project
- Artistic vision
- Story potential
- Development possibilities
Applicant Motivation
Applicants should explain:
- Why they want to participate
- How the programme supports their career goals
- Their interest in French-Korean collaboration
International Collaboration Ability
The committee considers whether applicants can:
- Participate effectively in an international environment
- Engage in cultural exchange
- Collaborate with filmmakers from different backgrounds
How to Apply
Applicants should follow these steps:
Step 1: Prepare a Film Project Proposal
Develop a clear proposal for a first feature-length fiction film.
The proposal should communicate:
- Film concept
- Artistic direction
- Development objectives
Step 2: Prepare Supporting Materials
Applicants should provide:
- Biography
- Filmography
- Short film information
- Festival selection details
- Motivation statement
Step 3: Submit Application Materials
Applicants must submit their complete application according to the programme requirements.
Incomplete applications may not be considered.
Step 4: Participate in the Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed by an expert committee, and selected filmmakers will be invited to participate in the Academy.
Common Mistakes Applicants Should Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Submitting projects that are not first feature films
- Providing unclear project descriptions
- Failing to explain artistic vision
- Not demonstrating international collaboration ability
- Submitting incomplete application materials
- Ignoring the importance of previous short film achievements
Tips for a Strong Application
Applicants can strengthen their proposals by:
- Clearly presenting their creative identity
- Explaining the importance of the feature film project
- Highlighting previous filmmaking achievements
- Demonstrating openness to international collaboration
- Showing how mentoring will support project development
- Preparing a compelling motivation statement
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the France-Korea Film Academy 2026–2027?
The France-Korea Film Academy is an international filmmaker development programme supporting emerging French and Korean directors developing their first feature-length live-action fiction films.
Who organises the programme?
The programme is jointly organised by the French National Centre for Cinema and the Moving Image (CNC) and the Korean Academy of Film Arts (KAFA).
Who can apply?
Emerging French and Korean filmmakers who have directed at least one short film selected for a film festival and are developing their first feature-length live-action fiction film can apply.
How many French filmmakers will be selected?
Six French directors will be selected, including three La Fémis graduates and three filmmakers from other backgrounds.
Where will the programme take place?
The programme will take place in two phases: Paris from 23 November to 2 December 2026 and Seoul during spring 2027.
What support do participants receive?
Participants receive mentoring, workshops, masterclasses, professional meetings, networking opportunities, and feature film project development support.
How are applicants selected?
Applications are evaluated by experts based on artistic background, project quality, motivation, and ability to participate in international collaboration.
Conclusion
The France-Korea Film Academy 2026–2027 provides an important opportunity for emerging filmmakers to develop their first feature films through international collaboration, professional mentorship, and industry engagement.
By connecting French and Korean cinema communities, the programme supports the next generation of directors while encouraging creative exchange, stronger international partnerships, and the development of ambitious global film projects.
For more information, visit CNC.
