Connecting Creation and Distribution: "First Link" Independent Film Matching Workshop Opens Call for Submissions

Indieground, established by the Korean Film Council (Chairman Han Sang-jun; hereinafter KOFIC) to improve the distribution environment for Korean independent and art-house films, is now accepting submissions for its sixth annual business matching program, the "Independent Film Matching Workshop: First Link."

First Link is a business matching program that connects newly completed independent films without confirmed distributors to distribution and sales professionals. To expand distribution opportunities for independent filmmakers, the program offers a range of initiatives including 1-on-1 business meetings, practice-oriented workshops, and in-kind support.

This year's call is open to Korean feature-length independent films completed after January 2025, or those expected to be finished within 2026. Films without a confirmed distributor are eligible to apply regardless of genre — fiction, documentary, animation, or experimental. Films that first applied to First Link three or more years ago are ineligible to reapply with the same title.

Submitted films will go through a selection process, with approximately 20 titles chosen in total. All selected films will receive the opportunity to participate in First Link's full program. Notably, this year marks a significant expansion of filmmaker support: English-language DCP production — previously provided in-kind to only five selected films — will now be extended to all 20 selections. Workshops for participating filmmakers will be held in August, while 1-on-1 business meetings with distribution and sales professionals are scheduled for Tuesday, September 1, and Wednesday, September 2.

Over its history, First Link has successfully connected numerous new independent films — including domestic and international premiere titles — with distributors, resulting in real distribution deals and theatrical releases. 3670 (dir. Park Joon-ho), a 2024 First Link participant, opened in theaters last year. Two 2025 participants follow: Manok (dir. Lee Yu-jin) opened June 10, and Funky Freaky Freaks (dir. Han Chang-rok) opened June 17, each reaching audiences in theaters.

Chairman Han Sang-jun remarked, "First Link is a connection platform that brings together unrepresented independent films and distribution professionals to create new opportunities. We will continue our support to help Korean independent films find new points of contact with distributors, and to ensure that more films reach their audiences."

Applications are open from 10:00 AM on Monday, June 22, through 6:00 PM on Friday, July 10, via the Indieground website (www.indieground.kr).