At the heart of the Seoul International Children's Film Festival are children themselves. Rather than defining children simply in contrast to adults, the festival sees them as equal members of society with their own unique perspectives and interests. The 23 films selected for this year's International Short Competition, 12 from Korea and 11 from around the world, were chosen for the ways they reflect children's viewpoints and values. An interesting contrast emerged during the selection process. Many of the Korean entries explore stories rooted in the filmmakers' immediate surroundings, portraying familiar spaces such as family, school, and community through deeply personal experiences. By contrast, the international selections, created by filmmakers from diverse cultural backgrounds, often expand their gaze toward broader questions, wondering about the existence of God, the mysteries of the universe, and the world beyond everyday life. This remarkable range, from intimate personal stories to reflections on society and imaginative explorations of the unknown, demonstrates the unique power of short films. We hope audiences at the Seoul International Children's Film Festival will discover the profound charm of short cinema through these brief yet deeply resonant works.​