The Busan Asian Film School (AFiS) is excited to announce the call for applications for its prestigious International Film Business Academy (IFBA) Program 2025. This fully funded opportunity is open to filmmakers across Asia who are passionate about film production and wish to hone their skills in an immersive, professional environment. The program aims to develop producers capable of working on feature-length projects, with a focus on investment, film policy, marketing, and distribution. The IFBA has a proven track record of producing award-winning films that have gained international recognition at festivals like Locarno and Venice.
Each year, 20 talented filmmakers from across Asia are selected for this prestigious program, which runs for eight months from March to October 2025. The IFBA has produced many notable successes, including films that have been showcased at prestigious international festivals such as the Venice Film Festival and the Locarno Film Festival. The program’s alumni continue to contribute to the global film industry, making the IFBA a unique platform for aspiring filmmakers to gain industry experience and build connections.
The fully-funded program offers selected fellows tuition-free access to a world-class curriculum, round-trip airfare for non-Korean fellows, dormitory housing, and medical insurance. This is an excellent opportunity for filmmakers looking to take their careers to the next level and participate in an international co-production environment.
Quick Overview of the Busan International IFBA Program 2025
- Host Country: South Korea
- Host Institution: Busan Asian Film School (AFiS)
- Course Duration: March to October 2025 (8 months)
- Application Deadline:
- Open Call for Submissions: September 25, 2024 – November 13, 2024
- Application Period: October 16, 2024 – November 13, 2024
- Number of Participants: 20 filmmakers (including 2 spots reserved for Busan residents)
- Program Focus: Film producing, development of feature-length projects, marketing, distribution, and film policy
- Tuition: Fully funded, with additional benefits for non-Korean fellows
Perks of the International Film Business Academy (IFBA) Program in South Korea
- All admitted fellows will receive a full scholarship that covers tuition fees for the entire 8-month program.
- Non-Korean fellows will be provided with round-trip airfare to and from South Korea.
- A dormitory room will be provided for the entire duration of the program, including vacation periods.
- Non-Korean fellows will receive medical insurance with limited coverage. Registered foreigners will also be covered under the National Health Insurance plan after six months in Korea, with AFiS covering the costs for up to two months.
Benefits of the Busan Asian Film School Training Program
- The IFBA curriculum is tailored for aspiring producers, focusing on practical and theoretical aspects of film production. Participants will develop a feature-length project as part of the program, gaining hands-on experience in film production.
- Participants will be exposed to industry experts and will engage in activities that build their knowledge of investment, film policy, and marketing strategies. The program’s connections with international film festivals offer networking opportunities that could lead to global co-productions and distribution deals.
- Films developed through the IFBA program have been recognized at major international festivals, giving fellows a platform to showcase their work on the global stage.
Eligibility Criteria for the Busan Film Academy Training Program for international Students
- Applicants must hold nationality from a U.N.-defined Asian country or Taiwan. For a full list of eligible countries, refer to the Appendix. The program encourages Filipino applicants to submit a recommendation letter from the FDCP (Film Development Council of the Philippines).
- The program conducts all coursework in English, so applicants must be proficient in the language.
- There are no academic or age limitations for applicants. However, Korean men must provide proof of completion or exemption from mandatory military service.
Important Dates for the Fully Funded South Korea Film School Program
- Application Period: October 16, 2024 – November 13, 2024
- First Screening (Documents, Portfolio, and Film Proposal): December 2, 2024 – December 6, 2024
- Announcement of Shortlisted Candidates: December 13, 2024
- Second Screening (Interviews): January 6 – January 10, 2025 (Conducted online)
- Final Announcement of Admission Decisions: January 17, 2025
How to Apply for the Busan International IFBA Program 2025
- Applicants must complete the application form available on the AFiS website during the application period. The online form will be accessible from October 16, 2024.
- Required Documents:
- Personal Statement (500 words or less)
- Statement of Purpose (500 words or less)
- Self-Introduction Video (2 minutes or less)
- Summary of Work Experience (500 words or less)
- Portfolio (Introduction & Video): Two works showcasing your potential as a film producer
- Project Proposal for a Feature-Length Film: Logline, development idea, synopsis, and financing plan
- Academic Degree or Proof of Enrollment
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Recommendation Letter (form provided) from a film industry professional (e.g., FDCP for Filipino nationals)
- Optional documents: Certifications of work experience, additional documents to support your application
For further details on document submission, refer to the Application Guide.
Additional Information for the Fully Funded Film Producing Scholarship Program
- Fellows must provide a Personal Financial Guarantee with official bank statements (approx. USD 3,000) during the visa application process. You may need to provide an additional financial guarantee of USD 2,000 – 3,000 for the visa extension process in the second semester.
- Non-Korean fellows must enroll in the National Health Insurance plan after six months, which costs approximately USD 100 per month.
For more information and to apply, visit the Busan Asian Film School Announcement.
