The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), in partnership with the CJ Cultural Foundation and the Korean Film Council (KOFIC), has officially announced the selection of eight participants for the inaugural CJ & TIFF K-Story Fund, aimed at empowering Korean Canadian and Korean American filmmakers.
Among those chosen is CalArts alum Arom Choi (Film/Video MFA 18), whose participation marks a significant step in the development of her upcoming feature film Soledad and Faith. The K-Story Fund is designed to support the creation of first or second feature films by providing financial aid and mentorship, fostering the growth of unique and influential voices in cinema.
Soledad and Faith follows the story of Soledad, a kind, lonely, middle-aged biohazard cleaner who is accustomed to being surrounded by death. The film explores her unlikely friendship with Faith, a young woman with a terminal illness who wishes to die on her own terms. Choi’s first feature-length project expands on her short film “Soledad,” which premiered at the St. Louis International Film Festival in 2023.
Sandra Oh, acclaimed actress and ambassador for the K-Story Fund, expressed her enthusiasm about the initiative, stating, “I am thrilled the K-Story fund has been birthed into existence! 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!”
Participants in the K-Story Fund will undergo a four-month story development program where they will receive guidance from CJ ENM, a global leader in entertainment known for producing hit shows and award-winning films such as Parasite (2009) and Celine Song’s Past Lives (2024).
At the conclusion of the program, three filmmakers will be awarded $10,000 CAD each to aid in the development of their feature-length films.
Find out more information on the participants on TIFF’s website.
