On March 5, 2026, the CJ Cultural Foundation announced that it is accepting applications for its "Story Up" short film support program, aimed at new filmmakers. The application period runs until the 23rd of this month, as the foundation continues its commitment to nurturing emerging talent in the film industry. This year marks a special milestone as the foundation celebrates its 20th anniversary, introducing exciting new formats to support budding creators.
Expanding Opportunities Through Film Production
The CJ Cultural Foundation has long believed in the potential and dreams of young filmmakers, establishing itself as a crucial support system since its inception in 2006. Under the visionary guidance of Chairman Lee Jae-hyun, the foundation operates tailored support programs designed to empower young creators from underserved backgrounds in popular culture.
This year's "Story Up" initiative stands out as it uniquely supports aspiring filmmakers throughout the entire production process—from initial development to film festival submissions. It's hailed as the only project in South Korea that systematically assists new filmmakers at this level, thus promoting a broader participation in the Korean film industry.
By announcing an "Anthology Project 2026 Story Up" alongside the traditional short film production support competition, the foundation aims to revitalize the program. With specific thematic prompts introduced, filmmakers across various genres and styles are encouraged to showcase their creativity. By creating a competitive environment that fosters cohesive narratives across six selected films, the initiative seeks to facilitate these works’ theatrical releases and distribution via OTT platforms.
Mentorship and Financial Assistance for Filmmakers
A remarkable feature of the "Story Up" program is its comprehensive support structure, which includes both financial backing and mentorship opportunities. The foundation plans to select up to 12 directors for initial support with a grant of 1 million KRW each and invaluable mentorship guidance. Among these, a maximum of six will be chosen for further production funding of 20 million KRW.
Selected filmmakers will benefit from a range of post-production support services such as poster design, English subtitles, DCP production, editing guidance, and market entry strategies, including monitoring screenings and opportunities to participate in domestic and international film festivals. Not only does this program reflect the foundation's commitment to advancing the craft of filmmaking, but it also aims to equip emerging directors with the necessary tools to thrive in an increasingly competitive industry.
The Journey of New Talent in filmmaking
Since its establishment, the "Story Up" initiative has aided a staggering 215 screenwriters and short film directors, including many whose works have been celebrated at major domestic and international festivals. Films like "Echo" and "Set Fire at Two A.M." have received accolades, further illustrating the program's impact on the film landscape.
To cultivate a deeper connection with audiences, the foundation has also hosted regular screenings under the "Story Up Shorts" banner. These events not only provide a platform for talented new directors to present their creations but also stimulate the film community, bringing fresh stories to viewers and inspiring the next generation of filmmakers. This year, in honor of its 20th anniversary, the CJ Cultural Foundation plans to host a special exhibition featuring supported works from the "Story Up" initiative, reinforcing its commitment to nurturing new talent.
In conclusion, the CJ Cultural Foundation's "Story Up" program exemplifies a powerful initiative aimed at fostering new talent in the film industry while celebrating its 20th anniversary. By offering structured support, financial assistance, and mentorship, the foundation ensures that the voices of emerging filmmakers are heard loud and clear. Aspiring filmmakers are encouraged to take the next step by applying for this unique opportunity and can find more details about the application process on the CJ Cultural Foundation's official website.
