Student filmmakers at the University of Utah Asia Campus took center stage at the 2026 F&MAD Film Festival Asia, sharing bold and creative stories with the local community in Incheon.

Held April 22, 2026, at Megabox in Songdo’s Triple Street, the festival featured 14 short films produced by students in the Film & Media Arts program. The event was open to the public, drawing more than 300 community members to experience the students’ work, vote for their favorite films and engage directly with the filmmakers.

Now in its fifth year, the festival also welcomed faculty from the University of Utah’s Salt Lake City campus, including Tim Palmer, the newly appointed chair of Film & Media Arts. Their visit added a meaningful dimension to the event, as they joined the audience, supported student filmmakers and presented awards in person.

Among the top honors, Anand Enkhbat’s Due received the jury award, best cinematography and best director, earning three awards in total. Hyeongseo Yun’s Hidden Persona was recognized with best screenplay and the audience choice award, based on votes from attendees.

“This festival is a chance to celebrate the creativity and hard work of our students,” said Yee Sien Ang, who organized the event. “Students from different backgrounds share their own stories through film, creating a space for connection, encouragement and shared experience.”

The annual festival has become a key platform for students to showcase their work beyond the classroom, reflecting the program’s emphasis on hands-on learning and global perspectives.

The program is also known for its connection to filmmaker Lee Isaac Chung, director of the Academy Award–winning Minari. Chung served as a faculty member from 2018 to 2020, working with students on translating the film’s English screenplay into Korean.