AHN JU-YEONG

AHN Ju-yeong is a South Korean filmmaker whose work captures the quiet turbulence of adolescence with remarkable sensitivity. She first gained attention with her award-winning short film Cartwheel (2022), a poignant coming-of-age story that premiered at the Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival before winning Best Short Film at the Busan International Short Film Festival. A graduate of Korea National University of Arts (K'ARTS), AHN specializes in intimate character studies that explore the emotional landscapes of young women. Cartwheel - her graduation film - was praised by Screen International for its "delicate yet devastating portrayal of female friendship and the painful transition into adulthood." Prior to Cartwheel, AHN's student work The Summer of That Year (2020) screened at the Jeonju International Film Festival, demonstrating her early talent for capturing nuanced performances and atmospheric storytelling. Her films often employ subtle visual metaphors and restrained narratives, drawing comparisons to directors like Céline Sciamma and early Hirokazu Kore-eda. AHN is currently developing her first feature film while continuing to work in the short film format, where she has established herself as one of South Korea's most promising new voices in independent cinema. With Cartwheel, she has proven her ability to transform small moments into profound cinematic experiences.