The 6th Seoul Larkspur International Film Festival (chaired by Lee Jang-ho) begins its five-day journey today, the 18th, starting with an opening ceremony at 6:00 PM at the Centennial Hall of Yonsei University in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, and running through the 22nd.

Held under the slogan "Freedom Again!", this year's festival presents a variety of domestic and international works that shed light on North Korean human rights, freedom of expression, human dignity, and the values of universal human rights.

The documentary "Gender Transformation: The Untold Realities" was selected as the opening film. The work explores gender issues and the topic of sex reassignment—which have been subjects of ongoing debate in the international community—through various cases and testimonies, offering audiences much to reflect upon regarding freedom, human rights, and balanced social development.

Meanwhile, the Liberal Writers' Association (Representative Lee Dae-young) released a congratulatory statement in honor of the opening of the Larkspur International Film Festival.

The Liberal Writers' Association expressed its gratitude to the organizing committee and staff, stating, "We hope that the Larkspur International Film Festival, which opens today, will provide audiences with new inspiration and opportunities for deep reflection through its diverse range of works and the voices of creators."

The full text of the Liberal Writers' Association's congratulatory statement is as follows:

Film is more than just entertainment. It is an essential cultural asset that holds the memories of a society, records the concerns of the era, and shares perspectives on humanity and the world. In particular, films born from a foundation of free creation and expression possess the power to make our society richer and more mature.

We look forward to the Larkspur International Film Festival, opening today, providing audiences with new inspiration and opportunities for profound reflection through its diverse works and the voices of its creators. The process by which different thoughts, experiences, values, and cultures meet and engage in dialogue on the screen is one of the greatest attractions of a free society.

The Liberal Writers' Association holds dear the values of human freedom and dignity, freedom of expression, and the autonomy of culture and the arts. We hope for the continued development and growth of the Larkspur International Film Festival as a space where these values come to life.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the organizing committee and all those involved for their hard work, and we wish for a meaningful and joyful time for the participating directors, actors, production staff, and all the audience members.

We sincerely wish for the successful hosting and endless development of the Larkspur International Film Festival.

June 18, 2026

Liberal Writers' Association