The Korean Film Commission (KOFIC) has announced the recipients of its second annual production support program for art and experimental films worth a total $1.6m.

The program, which dispenses $320,000 each to three art films and $160,000 each to four experimental films, was inaugurated last year in an effort to promote diversity in local filmmaking and the international recognition of Korean cinema.

Chwi-hwa-seon (pictured), the latest film in production by veteran director Im Kwon-taek (Chunhyang), was the best-known of the seven titles awarded financial support. Selections were made from among 75 submitted screenplays by a committee comprising directors (including Venice invitee Kim Ki-duk), producers, screenwriters and film critics.

The money does come with strings attached, however: should any of the supported features recoup their production costs (minus the amount awarded by the commission), then KOFIC will be the first to receive repayment. KOFIC also stipulates that the level of support should not comprise more than 30% or 50% of the total production budget for art films and experimental films, respectively.

As a government-supported, self-administered entity, KOFIC also provides support for films in development; grants for short and documentary films; post-production support for student films; production loans for feature films; support for subtitle translation and subtitled print production as well as travel costs for directors invited to overseas festivals.

This year's films awarded support from the Korean Film Commission

Art films: $320,000 each
Chwi-hwa-seon (Taehung Pictures), dir: Im Kwon-taek
Jiltuneun Naui Him (Generation Blue Films), dir: Park Chan-ok
Mister Lady (Indecom), dir: Cho Young-nam

Experimental Films: $160,000 each
Uronggaksi (Intz.com), dir: Nam Ki-woong
Sopung (Won Film), dir: Kim Beom-yu
Osae-am (Mago21), dir: Sung Baek-yeop
Sunday Seoul (Dreamsearch), dir: Oh Myung-hoon