The Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) is marking its milestone 30th anniversary with the launch of its first-ever competition section, a groundbreaking initiative designed to elevate the festival's international profile and strengthen its position in the global film industry. The organizing committee announced Tuesday that this historic addition represents a significant evolution for one of Asia's most prestigious film festivals.
The newly established competition section will showcase 14 carefully selected films that celebrate the rich diversity and artistic excellence of Asian cinema. Awards will be presented across five prestigious categories: the Grand Prize, Best Director, Special Jury Prize, Best Actor/Actress, and Artistic Contribution. In a special tribute to the competition's importance, the Grand Prize-winning film will have the honor of serving as the festival's closing film, creating a memorable finale for the anniversary celebration.
Adding to the festival's prestige, BIFF will feature an exclusive 'Carte Blanche' program that highlights screenings personally curated by prominent cultural figures from the entertainment industry. This distinguished lineup includes Academy Award-winning director Bong Joon-ho, renowned for his masterpiece 'Parasite,' and Maggie Kang, co-director of the globally acclaimed phenomenon 'KPop Demon Hunters.' The program demonstrates the festival's commitment to celebrating artistic vision and creative collaboration.
The curated selections reflect the deep artistic connections within the film community. Director Bong Joon-ho has chosen Shinji Aoyama's critically acclaimed 2000 film 'Eureka,' while Maggie Kang has selected Bong's own 2006 monster thriller 'The Host,' creating an intriguing artistic dialogue between the two filmmakers. These choices highlight the enduring influence and interconnected nature of Asian cinema.
The 30th edition will open with Park Chan-wook's highly anticipated new film 'No Other Choice,' setting a prestigious tone for the anniversary celebration. The opening ceremony will be hosted by the movie's lead actor Lee Byung-hun, adding star power to the festivities and ensuring a memorable launch for this landmark year.
This year's festival has expanded significantly, officially inviting 241 movies compared to the 224 showcased in the previous year. When including the films selected for the citizen-driven Community BIFF program, the total number of films being presented reaches an impressive 328, demonstrating the festival's growing scope and community engagement.
The festival will pay special tribute to two legendary figures in international cinema: Italian director Marco Bellocchio, whose prolific and influential career spans over six decades, and French actress Juliette Binoche, celebrated for her versatile performances across multiple genres. Both distinguished artists are expected to attend the festival in person, providing audiences with rare opportunities to meet cinema icons.
A stellar lineup of international celebrities is scheduled to grace the festival, including Japanese actor Ken Watanabe, best known for his powerful role in 'The Last Samurai' (2003), and Mexican director Guillermo del Toro, who achieved the rare feat of winning both Best Director and Best Picture at the Academy Awards in 2017 for his enchanting film 'The Shape of Water.' Additionally, Hong Kong cinema legend Tony Leung Chiu-wai, who won the Best Actor award at the Cannes Film Festival for his mesmerizing performance in 'In the Mood for Love' (2000), will also be present.
Among the festival's special events is an innovative sing-along screening of the animated film 'KPop Demon Hunters,' which promises to create an interactive and memorable experience for audiences, blending cinema with participatory entertainment.
The Korean Cinema Today program will premiere five notable Korean films, showcasing the continued vitality and innovation of Korean cinema. This carefully curated lineup includes Kim Byung-woo's disaster epic 'The Great Flood,' Ra Hee-chan's crime thriller 'Boss,' Ha Jung-woo's psychological drama 'The People Upstairs,' 'Audition 109' co-directed by actor Jung Woo and director Oh Seong-ho, and Lee Hwan's mysterious 'Project Y.'
The festival's Vision section will screen 23 Asian independent films created by both emerging talents and established mid-career directors, providing a platform for diverse voices and innovative storytelling approaches that represent the future of Asian cinema.
The 30th Busan International Film Festival is scheduled to run from September 17-26, promising ten days of cinematic celebration that will honor the festival's three-decade legacy while establishing new traditions for future years.
