TIFF is proud to announce eight participants taking part in the inaugural CJ & TIFF K-Story Fund

TORONTO – The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is thrilled to unveil the eight participants selected for the inaugural class of the CJ & TIFF K-Story Fund. Launched in September 2023, the CJ & TIFF K-Story Fund is a collaborative effort between TIFF, CJ Cultural Foundation, and Korean Film Council (KOFIC). This groundbreaking initiative aims to empower Korean Canadian and Korean American filmmakers by supporting the development of their first or second feature films. With the CJ & TIFF K-Story Fund, TIFF continues to reinforce its commitment to nurturing talent from around the world and fostering a vibrant global film industry.

“I am thrilled the K-Story fund has been birthed into existence!” said Sandra Oh, K-Story Fund ambassador and award-winning actress. “This is exactly the type of support we need to continue to develop the voices and skills of this and the next generation of Korean Canadian/Korean American filmmakers. Brava!”

The eight selected participants are:

Junsung Kim (US) with California Rolls
Justin Kim WooSŏk (US) with Dances with Cranes
Michelle K Cho (US) with First Day of Spring
Helen Lee (CAN) with Go-Stop GO
Lloyd Lee Choi (CAN/US) with Prodigy
Arom Choi (US) with Soledad and Faith
Thomas Percy Kim (US) with The Untitled Busan Project
Joanne Mony Park (US) with The Windiest Day

Please see here for full bios and more information on the participants.

“We’re excited to welcome these eight exceptional storytellers to the CJ & TIFF K-Story Fund programme,” said Anita Lee, Chief Programming Officer, TIFF. “TIFF is committed to creating opportunities and championing creative voices from the diaspora on a global stage. Through expert mentorship and dedicated support, we’ll empower this year’s participants to transform their ideas into original projects that will resonate with audiences worldwide.”

The eight writers or writer-directors have been selected to participate in a four-month story development process. Invited by CJ Cultural Foundation, CJ ENM ― a leading global entertainment company that creates reality shows, must-see dramas, and award-winning movies such as Parasite, Decision To Leave, Past Lives, and more ― will offer support and guidance. After the mentorship, three of the participants will be awarded $10,000 CAD to support the development of their Korean Canadian or Korean American feature-length films and their filmmaking careers.