2026 Student Film Contest

Dave is Blue Kite's current Editor in Chief. He earned his BA in English literature from the University of Calgary. He taught English in Korea at Kyongwon University and Tongwon University. In addition, he has worked in ESL/EFL publishing for more than 20 years, having written or edited numerous textbooks related to language acquisition, grammar, and writing. On the creative side, his speculative fiction has appeared in literary magazines such as Clarkesworld and Unnerving.

Min Ku Kim is the founder of Blue Kite Publishing, where he champions student voice, creative expression, and cross-cultural understanding. Through his work, he aims to build platforms that empower young students to share meaningful stories with real impact. His initiatives bring together students, educators, community members, and editors in collaborative spaces that value creativity, mentorship, and leadership . He is committed to cultivating creative communities that extend beyond traditional forms of publication into lasting media that fosters intellectual and cultural growth.

Kevin Grabb is a former film projectionist residing in Cheonan, South Korea. From Toronto, Canada, he worked at various cinemas for a decade. His love of film grew year after year and resulted in many nights at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and various theatres throughout the city. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a few elective courses in Film Theory. He also has a Youtube channel, Korea Brewing Adventure, where he is responsible for every aspect of production, from writing to cinematography to editing. Kevin looks forward to watching, enjoying and judging all submissions by our globe’s talented young filmmakers.

Joshua Stone Cole is a graduate of Elon University with a degree in Cinema and Television Arts. Fresh out of college, he decided to come teach English in Korea after having traveled to the country briefly for a study abroad program. Mr. Cole does his best to create travel content showcasing his life in South Korea with a small YouTube channel, “Stone Cole World,” and does a bit of extra video work for the academy where he is employed. He dreams of one day becoming a rich and famous movie director/content creator so he can continue to travel the world and document his adventures.

My love for film began in childhood, inspired by weekly trips to the movie rental store with my family, especially with my grandfather, who first sparked my fascination with storytelling on screen. In university, I explored that passion through elective courses in filmmaking and film studies, and even wrote and produced a TV show pilot. While my career has since focused on teaching, my appreciation for film has never faded. I’m excited to see each filmmaker’s vision and hope they approach this competition with the courage to reveal their uniqueness.

Andre’ majored in English Literature, Philosophy, and Psychology and graduated from the University of Stellenbosch, South Africa, mostly by accident, which is also how he ended up in South Korea. He has been teaching for the past 24 years and has had the privilege of crafting futures across all possible areas in the Korean English education field, ranging from Kindergarten to University students and finally, government and business. He is an avid reader, thinker, and aspiring writer of science fiction.

Greg holds a BAS from York University and an MAPL from the University of Southern Queensland. He taught English to learners of all ages across South Korea for twenty years. Though he retired from full-time teaching in 2024, Greg continues to be inspired by individual language learners and remains actively engaged in corporate, young-learner, and tertiary settings. He is the author of a series of English language workbooks and is currently completing a work of fantasy fiction. Greg finds creative inspiration in cross-media expression, particularly through textual and sculptural forms.

I am the Operations Director at Blue Kite Publishing and a judge for this year’s film contest. In the work I support and evaluate, I approach each piece with thoughtful attention to the creator’s vision and perspective. I have a deep appreciation for film and photography, particularly how color, light, and composition shape narrative depth and emotional resonance. The same scene can feel entirely different depending on who stands behind the camera. While environment may influence texture, it is ultimately the filmmaker’s perspective that defines what is seen and felt. I look forward to discovering works that reflect clear vision, intentional choices, and a genuine sense of creative expression.

Hi yall! I’m Sewa — a freelance video editor and creative designer with a passion for visual storytelling. I specialize in both short-form content and long-form narrative editing, helping creators shape engaging, emotionally resonant videos that connect with their audience. My background in design and content development allows me to blend creativity with clarity, always focusing on how visuals, rhythm, and emotion come together. I’m honored to be part of this competition and can’t wait to see how you bring your ideas to life!

Hello! I'm Joanne, a lifestyle and beauty YouTuber who spends most of her time behind the camera filming, editing, and finding new ways to make engaging content. Creating videos has given me a deep appreciation for the details that make visuals compelling, from thoughtful cinematography and intentional framing to pacing and sound that can set the tone of each scene. As a longtime cinephile, I'm especially drawn to films that use creative shots and atmosphere to tell a story in a powerful way. I'm really looking forward to watching pieces that can pull me in, evoke genuine emotion, and leave a lasting impression!