Busan International Film Festival’s educational program Asian Film Academy (AFA) announces to suspend the open call this year.

AFA provides opportunities for promising filmmakers from all over Asia to participate in various programs, including short film production, workshops, and special lectures for 18 days. Over the past 15 years, AFA has fostered young Asian talents and contributed in building networks among participants. 362 alumni from 32 countries have been standing out in the filmmaking field throughout the world.

The decision to suspend the open call was not made lightly. The health and safety of the filmmakers were the primary concerns. For a program that is based on networking between fellows and mentors in close proximity while participating in workshops, mentoring sessions, and the actual film production, the difficulty in maintaining effective social distancing was a major factor considered by AFA.

The world faces an unprecedented crisis related to COVID-19. AFA has decided to call off its application this year with the health and well-being of filmmakers in mind. AFA will take this time to thoroughly plan and prepare for the next AFA by reinventing and enhancing AFA into a filmmaking program that is more specialized and of high quality.

Thank you for your interest and support for AFA.

We wish you all to stay safe and healthy until we meet again.