History 

KOFFIA is the Korean Film Festival in Australia. It first took place in October 2010 in what was a small event, run over just 5 days with 8 films screening. Despite a small size, budget and history behind it, the festival proved to be a highly successful and popular event, with audiences embracing the wonders of Korean cinema. Over 1,250 people attended with 99% stating they wanted more! 

With the successful opening of the Korean Cultural Office in 2011, the future of KOFFIA is secure. It returned in 2011 bigger and better than ever, including a significant expansion to Melbourne. Big plans are in store for KOFFIA 2012, which we are already preparing for, so stay tuned! 

Uniqueness

We are one of the rare Korean Film Festivals in the world to feature more than just blockbuster hits direct from Korea. While we do show the latest hit films, like “The Unjust” and “The Man From Nowhere”, we also focus on documentaries, short films, art house and independent cinema, classic pieces and give opportunities to Korean-Australian film-makers.

This diversity is what separates us from the rest, and we are very proud of this fact. KOFFIA also features many elements outside of just film, such as traditional cultural performances, modern musical performances, many industry forums, Q&A’s, free events, video booth, audience award, themed nights, double headers and so much more. 

Growth 

2011 was a massive year for KOFFIA, with it doubling or tripling in size in nearly every aspect. With our ambitions high, we aim to make this a trend for many years to come and make it in to one of the key film festivals on the Australian circuit. 

Once again KOFFIA received outstanding reviews from our audience, and we are so happy to have pleased so many people. Check out some of the stats below!

- 13 out of the 15 film sessions were voted as 4 or above 

- 81% of all votes received were 4 or 5 Stars 

- The 3 things the audience liked the most: The quality of the films shown, the chance to experience Korean culture, and the wonderful festival atmosphere

- The 3 things the audience disliked the most: Sessions selling out, people wanted more films and a longer festival

5 Most Popular Films in Sydney 

1. Joint Security Area 

2. A Barefoot Dream 

3. The Man from Nowhere 

4. Secret Reunion 

5. The Unjust 

5 Most Popular Films in Melbourne 

1. A Barefoot Dream 

2. Secret Reunion 

3. The Man from Nowhere 

4. Bunt 

5. Joint Security Area 

5 Lucky Audience Award Winners 

Mina Park (Sydney) 

David Gordon (Sydney) 

Mark Poliansky (Melbourne) 

Eui Beom Hwang (Sydney) 

Tharindu Ranasinghe (Melbourne) 

Young Korean Filmmaker Award Winners 

Metro Screen Jury Prize: Andrew Lee, "Second from the Right" 

Sydney University Jury Prize: Tae Ho Yun, "Pure White Ground" 

KOFFIA Audience Award: Andrew Lee, "Second from the Right" 

The Future

KOFFIA will turn 3 in 2012, and with the assistance of the Korean Cultural Office, will have greatly transformed the Korean cinema landscape in Australia in just 24 months. Stay tuned for some exciting news about KOFFIA early next year , we promise 2012 won’t disappoint! We would like to thank all of our sponsors, partners, volunteers and audience who supported the festival this year.

KOFFIA’s tremendous growth could not have been possible without the support of all of those involved. This show of support gives the KOFFIA staff great motivation to continue to develop the festival and improve upon its quality. 2011 was a massive year for us, but our aims are for 2012 to be even more impressive. Thank you again!

See you all again in August / September 2012!