En Route To becomes first KAFA graduation film to compete in Generation 14plus section

Yoo Jae-in's feature debut En Route To has been officially selected for the 76th Berlin International Film Festival's Generation 14plus Competition, marking a historic first for the Korean Academy of Film Arts (KAFA). The film, which won both the New Currents Award and Best Actress prize at the 30th Busan International Film Festival, represents a breakthrough for Korean film education as it advances to one of the world's three major festivals.

Produced as a graduation project through KAFA's Feature Film Program, En Route To follows high school student Yoon-ji as she seeks illegal abortion pills following a secret relationship with her homeroom teacher. Lead actress Lee Ji-won's performance earned critical acclaim at Busan, where the film introduced both a promising director and a breakout performer to Korean cinema.

The film will premiere at the festival opening February 12 in the Generation 14plus Competition, which showcases works addressing adolescent experiences. Previous Korean films honored in this section include Yoon Ga-eun's The World of Us, Kim Bo-ra's House of Hummingbird (Grand Prix winner), and Kim Hye-young's It's Okay (Crystal Bear winner).

"En Route To sensitively portrays female friendship and self-assertion," said Sebastian Markt, head of the Berlinale's Generation section. "It addresses themes of power abuse and self-determination within an elegantly constructed cinematic world, with outstanding performances that elevate the film's achievement."

Director Yoo, currently completing her studies as part of KAFA's 18th Feature Film Program cohort with graduation set for March, expressed excitement about her international festival debut. "I'm thrilled to share this moment with the cast and crew who made this film possible," she said.

Since 2007, KAFA has operated its Feature Film Program, enabling students to produce full-length films as graduation projects—a practice-based educational model that has launched numerous Korean filmmakers' careers. Alumni works including Bleak Night, Alice in Earnestland, Socialphobia, Baseball Girl, and Aloners have all received international festival recognition.

KAFA has maintained a consistent presence at Berlin since 2009, with previous selections spanning the Forum and Panorama sections. En Route To marks the academy's return to the Berlinale after four years, reinforcing its role as an incubator for emerging Korean auteurs who balance artistic vision with international appeal.