A new film festival is bringing Korean cinema to West Perth, inviting Perth’s Korean community and local film lovers to experience a programme spanning crime, historical drama and supernatural horror.
The inaugural Perth Korea Film Festival, presented by .S2Co. — The Two Suszies, will screen at The Backlot Perth, an intimate 50-seat cinema in the Pickle District.
Founded by Dr Susie Conte and Suzanne Worner, the festival combines a personal connection to Korea with a shared commitment to building Perth’s screen culture.
“Having spent my childhood growing up in Korea, this festival has a very personal meaning for me,” said Dr Susie Conte. “It’s an opportunity to share stories from a country that is part of my own story. We hope Perth’s Korean community will enjoy seeing Korean stories celebrated on the big screen, and that fellow film lovers will discover something new.”
The programme was launched with a special screening of Lee Chang-dong’s Possible Love, South Korea’s official submission for Best International Feature Film at the 99th Academy Awards.
The inaugural festival programme features:
MEMORIES OF MURDER (Salinui chueok) — Bong Joon-ho’s gripping crime drama, combining a disturbing murder investigation with dark humour and social commentary.
THE KING’S WARDEN — a moving historical drama about an exiled young king and his connection with the people around him.
COLONY (Gunche) — zombie terror and a desperate fight for survival from Train to Busan director Yeon Sang-ho.
SALMOKJI: WHISPERING WATER (Salmokji) — supernatural horror following a filming crew’s encounter with a sinister presence at a remote reservoir.
EXHUMA (Pamyo) — an atmospheric occult thriller exploring shamanic rituals, ancestral secrets and a grave that should never have been disturbed.
Suzanne Worner said the festival would create another opportunity for Perth audiences to engage with international cinema together.
“Korean cinema has a passionate following, and we wanted to create a local festival where that enthusiasm can be shared,” Worner said. “We’re bringing an acclaimed classic together with contemporary films that show just how bold and inventive Korean storytelling can be.
“For Perth’s Korean community, we hope this becomes a welcome addition to the cultural calendar. For cinephiles, it’s a chance to explore filmmakers and genres, revisit a favourite and experience these films as they deserve to be seen — on the big screen.”
The festival also marks a new collaboration for Conte and Worner through .S2Co., whose work centres on sharing stories and connecting audiences.
All screenings take place at The Backlot Perth, 21 Simpson Street, West Perth. Capacity is limited to 50 seats per session, and advance bookings are encouraged.
The 2026 Perth Korea Film Festival is supported by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, The Backlot Perth, HALO Films, Singular Health, Alpha Solar Technologies, Korea Research Centre and Curtin University.
Their support makes it possible to connect communities, share stories and build new audiences for Korean film.
Businesses and organisations interested in becoming a festival partner are invited to contact Suzanne Worner to explore opportunities to support and grow the festival.