North Korea reopened its flagship cultural diplomacy event this week, hosting the Pyongyang International Film Festival for the first time in six years. The move signals the country’s renewed effort to reconnect with global audiences through art and culture.
The 18th Pyongyang International Film Festival began with an opening ceremony at the Pyongyang International Cinema House on Wednesday. The event gathered filmmakers, diplomats, and cultural representatives from several nations. After the ceremony, a Russian-Chinese co-produced art film titled Red Silk premiered to mark the occasion.
Furthermore, organizers said the festival aims to deepen friendship among progressive countries and highlight North Korea’s cinematic ambitions. The head of the national cinema agency noted that cultural diplomacy remains vital for promoting cooperation and mutual understanding.
Founded in 1987, the festival stands as North Korea’s only international film event. Initially, it began as a biennial program but later switched to an annual format in 2018. However, the event was suspended after 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to years of border closures.
After long isolation, Pyongyang is gradually reopening to the world. Earlier this year, it resumed tourism and international gatherings to revive its struggling economy. For example, in April, the country hosted the Pyongyang International Marathon. In addition, in July, it opened a seaside resort in Kalma to attract foreign visitors.
Analysts say the film festival’s return reflects Pyongyang’s strategy of cultural diplomacy. Moreover, the regime hopes to project a softer image abroad and strengthen ties with allies like Russia and China. These cultural exchanges also serve to offset diplomatic isolation amid global tensions.
Experts believe the event blends nationalism with outreach. It promotes North Korean ideology while allowing limited engagement with foreign creatives. The collaboration with Russian and Chinese filmmakers, meanwhile, showcases a shared cultural stance against Western influence.
Looking ahead, North Korea plans to use arts and sports to boost its global presence. Consequently, events like the film festival allow the regime to shape its image without direct political confrontation. While participation remains small, the festival’s revival marks a step toward rebuilding international visibility through cultural diplomacy.
If Pyongyang continues this path, art and cinema could become tools for soft power, reconnecting a nation long cut off from the world.
