9th Korean Film Festival in the UAE“Korean Cinema: Unforgettable Sounds”

June 19 (Thu) – June 29 (Sun), 2025 | Abu Dhabi & Dubai

The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the UAE and the Korean Cultural Center will host the 9th Korean Film Festival from June 19 to 29 in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Now in its ninth year, the festival promotes the excellence of Korean cinema and fosters interaction with local film lovers. It is held in collaboration with local cultural institutions including Manarat Al Saadiyat, Mohammed Bin Rashid Library, Creative Lab, and Arab Film Studio.

This year’s theme is “Music”, highlighting the emotional resonance created when sound and storytelling merge in film. The festival will feature eight carefully selected Korean films, ranging across genres and moods—from music-centered stories to films acclaimed for their original soundtracks.

A highlight of this year’s event is the “K-Movie OST Live Concert,” to be held in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai, where audiences can enjoy live performances of iconic Korean film music, including:

• Han River Hymn from The Host

• Irreversible Step from A Tale of Two Sisters

• Belt of Faith from Parasite

Opening Film: “Parasite” by Bong Joon-ho

The festival will open with Bong Joon-ho’s globally acclaimed film Parasite, which won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival and four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Composer Jung Jae-il’s music and the film’s multilayered narrative perfectly embody the festival's theme of harmony between music and storytelling.

Screening Schedule & Venues

Abu Dhabi | Manarat Al Saadiyat

• June 19 (Thu): Parasite – 19:00

• June 20 (Fri): C’est Si Bon – 16:00 / Secret That Cannot Be Told – 19:00

• June 21 (Sat): My Beautiful Girl, Mari – 14:00

  • Arab Short Films Screening (Creative Lab) – 16:30

  • Jaurim: The Wonderland + Director Talk – 18:00

• June 22 (Sun): Dog Days – 14:00 / A Tale of Two Sisters – 16:30

  • K-Movie OST Live Concert – 19:30

Dubai | Mohammed Bin Rashid Library

• June 27 (Fri): Parasite – 16:30

  • K-Movie OST Live Concert – 19:30

• June 28 (Sat): My Beautiful Girl, Mari – 17:00 / Jaurim: The Wonderland – 19:00

• June 29 (Sun): A Tale of Two Sisters – 15:00 / The Host – 17:30

Special Arab Short Film Screening

To enhance collaboration with the regional film industry, the festival will host a special screening of six Arab short films on June 21 in Abu Dhabi. This program is organized in partnership with Creative Lab and Arab Film Studio (AFS).

AFS is a leading program supporting emerging filmmakers in the UAE and contributes to developing Abu Dhabi as a creative city in the Middle East. The short films, directed by AFS graduates, explore themes such as memory, music, and identity.

Featured Shorts:

• Sound of Memories – Gargi Chakrabarti

• The First Note – Laith AlRamahi

• I See a Woman – Laura Saab

• Ranapakhara – Swapna Kurup

• Forthcoming – Ayham Alsubaihi

• Umah – Shoayb Khattab

Statement from Director Lee Yong-hee of the Korean Cultural Center in the UAE:

“The Korean Film Festival has played a key role in showcasing the power of Korean cinema and building strong connections with local audiences in the UAE. This year, we’ve expanded our cultural exchange by introducing a special Arab short film screening and a K-Movie OST live concert for the first time. I hope this event helps create deeper mutual understanding and connection between Korean and Arab cultures through the shared language of film and music.”

Free Admission – No Prior Registration Required

All screenings and concerts are free and open on a first-come, first-served basis without the need for advance registration.

🔗 For full program details and schedule, visit:https://k-filmfest2025.splashthat.com/