Pyongyang International Film Festival

The Pyongyang International Film Festival is a distinctive biennial event held in Pyongyang, North Korea. It first commenced in 1987 under the name Pyongyang Film Festival of the Non-Aligned and Other Developing Countries, with a focus on films from non-aligned and developing nations. Over the years, the festival has expanded its scope to include films from countries such as Japan, the UK, the US, and South Africa.

Historically, the festival has prominently featured North Korean films that extol the country's leadership and revolutionary themes. However, there has been a marked improvement in the quality and number of films submitted in recent years, driven in part by the global success of South Korean cinema, which has piqued interest in North Korean films.

The festival is organized with an international jury and accepts both competitive and non-competitive film submissions. Notably, films from Western Europe are quite prevalent, often centering on themes like family values and loyalty. Nonetheless, films that criticize North Korea or contain sexually explicit content are strictly prohibited. Film selection is also influenced by diplomatic relationships and the personal efforts of filmmakers.

Despite its semblance of a propaganda event, the Pyongyang International Film Festival stands as one of the few opportunities for North Korea to engage with the international community. The festival's popularity has grown globally, attracting foreign film enthusiasts and enhancing the quality of film submissions.

However, the festival is not without its restrictions. Most Japanese films, along with all American, Taiwanese, and South Korean films, are banned for political reasons. Taiwanese and South Korean films, in particular, are prohibited due to their anti-communist themes.