2026 Poster by © Maïlys Vallade, Director of Little Amélie or the Character of Rain

Feature Grand Prize (2025) : Little Amélie or the Character of Rain
Short Grand Prize (2025) : God is Shy

The 28th Bucheon Int'l Animation Festival (BIAF2026) 23-27 OCT. 2026. S. Korea.

In 1999, the Bucheon Int'l Animation Festival (BIAF) embarked on its journey as the sole animation festival in Asia. BIAF have competitions of 5 categories - Feature, Short, Graduation, TV&Commissioned and Korean Short.

BIAF Grand Prize will be eligible for consideration in the Animated Short Film category of the Academy Awards®.

Awards & Prizes

*Feature Film Competition
Grand Prize - 12,000,000 KRW
Jury Prize - 3,000,000 KRW
Special Distinction Prize - 2,000,000 KRW
COCOMICS Music Prize - 2,000,000 KRW
Audience Prize - 1,500,000 KRW

*Short Film Competition
Grand Prize - 8,000,000 KRW
Jury Prize - 3,000,000 KRW
Special Distinction Prize - 2,000,000 KRW
Audience Prize - 1,500,000 KRW
AniB's Choice - 1,000,000 KRW

*Korean Short Film Competition
Jury Prize - 2,000,000 KRW

*Graduation Film Competition
Jury Prize - 2,000,000 KRW

*TV&Commissioned Film Competition
Jury Prize - 2,000,000 KRW

※ Special Prizes will also be added.

Rules & Terms

1. ADMINISTRATION
Bucheon International Animation Festival(BIAF) is organized by BIAF Organizing Committee.

2. DATES AND VENUE
BIAF2026 will be held from October 23 to 27, 2026 in Bucheon, South Korea.

3. OFFICIAL LANGUAGES
The official languages of BIAF are Korean and English. Non-English language films must be subtitled in English by applicants themselves.

4. QUALIFICATION FOR ENTRY
Animated films must have been completed after January 1, 2025 and must not have previously been submitted to BIAF.

5. COMPETITION SECTION
1) Feature Film: Works over 40 minutes in length
2) Short Film: Works less than 40 minutes in length
3) Graduation Film: Works less than 40 minutes in length
4) TV&Commissioned Film: Works for TV/OTT series and special, commercials, music video and etc.

※ Priority considered for Premiere Condition.
※ Korean Films submitted in category 2, 3 and 4 may compete in Korean Shorts Competition.
※ AI-generated works are also eligible for submission in all categories.

6. TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
1) Preview Screener: Online screener link or Digital files (MOV, AVI, WMV)
2) Print: DCP or HD Files (MOV with ProRes 422 HQ or MP4 with H264 preferable)

7. ENTRY
1) No registration fee is required.
2) Submission Deadline
- Short, Graduation, TV&Commissioned: June 30, 2026 (23:59 KST)
- Feature: July 31, 2026 (23:59 KST)
3) Compulsory Enclosures
- Entry Form: One entry form is required for each work.
- Preview Screener: Online link or Digital files (MOV, AVI, WMV over 720P)
- 3 Different stills (300dpi)
- 1 or more director(s) photo (300dpi)
4) Submission: Online entry is available at FilmFreeway(www.FilmFreeway.com/BIAF) or
BIAF Official Website.(www.biaf.or.kr/en)

PLEASE NOTE
※ The submitted video file must be the same version as the final print for screening.
※ If you submit your entry form via BIAF Official Website, Don’t Forget to send your compulsory enclosures to program1@biaf.or.kr or program.biaf@gmail.com via WeTransfer/Dropbox/Google Drive/etc.
(Title: Competition Submission_Categories_Film Title)
※ You must create and submit (upload) a folder for each work.

8. SELECTION
1) The list of selected films will be informed to applicants individually by email.
2) The selected applicants must send the print for screenings by August 31, 2026.

9. TRANSPORTATION AND INSURANCE
1) All costs are to be prepaid by the sender, and the festival will not assume responsibility for any charges.
2) To ensure a safe and timely shipment, mark the parcel with “NO COMMERCIAL VALUE – FOR CULTURAL PURPOSES ONLY” and do not list a value higher than USD20 on it.
3) BIAF Organizing Committee will pay for returning fees of the materials as well as preservation expenses during the festival preparation stages and throughout the festival.
4) For any damage or loss occurred during the festival, the liability of BIAF Organizing Committee is limited to reimbursement for costs of a new print based on the standard rates.

10. INVITATION
1) BIAF Organizing Committee will offer the selected applicants the followings:
- Festival Badge
- Accommodation and meal voucher (for one director or one representative of each film)
2) Directors or representatives entitled to the hospitality must confirm the details of attendance dates during October 23~27, 2026 by September 6, 2026.

11. SCREENING AND PROMOTIONAL USE
1) The selected films will be screened in off theaters in Bucheon, South Korea, during the festival.
2) BIAF may request one of the award winners to create an official poster design and trailer for the next edition of the festival. BIAF will pay the creator its production costs after the signing of the contract.
3) After the festival ends, BIAF may request a special screening with the permission of the director (or of the distribution company). The screening fee must be paid.

12. RETURN OF THE PRINT
BIAF Organizing Committee will return print within 15 working days after the festival has ended.

13. ACCEPTANCE OF THE REGULATION
In submitting the Entry Form to the festival, the BIAF Organizing Committee considers that the applicant accepts the terms of the present regulation as stated in this document.
13 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Polina Piddubna

    I was so happy to be able to attend in person! It was a great experience overall!

    November 2025
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  • jee suk kim

    This might have been my best film festival experience yet. It was huge, and everything was set up perfectly (really well-organized).

    What stood out was the huge variety of programs—you won't see this much at other festivals. They also had tons of people (volunteers, interpreters, and staff) ready to help filmmakers at every venue and hotel.

    This festival is already considered one of the best animation events in Asia, but it looks ready to go even higher. I highly recommend BIAF to every filmmakers/animators.

    October 2025
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  • Jamie Griffiths

    So glad Gemini was able to participate in this great festival! Thanks!

    November 2024
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  • Masha Ellsworth

    The Bucheon International Animated Film Festival in Bucheon, South Korea, provided an unforgettable experience for the screening of my animated short film "Little t", largely due to the exceptional efforts of its organizers. Known for its focus on animation, the festival stood out not just for its enthusiastic and knowledgeable audience, but more so for the organizers who went above and beyond in every aspect. From their meticulous attention to detail in event planning to their unwavering support for filmmakers, they created an environment that was both professional and profoundly nurturing for artists. Their passion for animation shone through, ensuring that every screening, including "Little t", was showcased perfectly, which deeply resonated with the audience. The networking opportunities were extraordinary, offering interactions with a diverse array of animators and industry experts, enriching the experience further. The overwhelmingly positive response to "Little t" was a testament to the festival's exceptional organization and its role in championing the art of animation. Participating in this festival was not only a professionally enriching journey but also a personal highlight, thanks to the dedication and exceptional work of the festival's organizers. Their commitment to going above and beyond made the Bucheon International Animated Film Festival a highly recommended platform for any animator seeking recognition and inspiration in the global animation community.

    December 2023
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  • Esther Vital

    Thank you BIAF for having us in your official competition program! It was an honour to be part of your festival side by side with the greatest animators all over the world!!!

    November 2022
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