Park Chan-wook's New Film 'The Uncontrollable' to Open 30th Busan International Film Festival

The 30th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) is set to unfold from October 17th to 26th across various venues in Busan.

This year's BIFF promises a rich cinematic feast, showcasing a total of 360 films, including 241 official selections from 64 countries, alongside Community BIFF and Neighborhood BIFF screenings. Notably, 90 films will have their world premiere at the festival, marking a significant increase from the previous year.

Selected as the opening film to mark the festival's grand commencement is Park Chan-wook's latest work, 'The Uncontrollable.' The film delves into the story of an office worker named Man-soo who faces unexpected dismissal and embarks on his own battle for re-employment. After its premiere at the Venice International Film Festival, 'The Uncontrollable' will be introduced to the Korean audience for the first time at BIFF. Director Park, along with lead actors Lee Byung-hun and Son Ye-jin, are expected to attend the opening film press conference.

Furthermore, actor Lee Byung-hun will serve as the sole host for this year's BIFF opening ceremony. Actress Son Ye-jin is scheduled to participate in 'Actor's House,' where she will reflect on her acting career with the audience.

Celebrating its 30th anniversary, BIFF is introducing its first-ever competitive section, the 'Busan Award.' Fourteen prominent Asian films will compete for five awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor. The Best Picture winner will be screened as the closing film. The jury for the 'Busan Award' will be led by Director Na Hong-jin, alongside esteemed figures such as actor Eric Tsang, actress and director Nandita Das, Iranian director Marjaneh Mashkini, American director Kogonada, Indonesian producer Yulia Evina Bahara, and actress Han Hyo-joo.

In addition, acclaimed international directors like Guillermo del Toro, Marco Bellocchio, Michael Mann, Sean Baker, and Jafar Panahi, as well as celebrated actors like Juliette Binoche and Milla Jovovich, will grace Busan with their presence. Director Maggie Kang, who sparked a K-content phenomenon with the Netflix original animation 'K-pop Demon Hunters,' will also meet with the audience through the special program 'Carte Blanche.' A host of renowned actors from Japan, Hong Kong, and Taiwan are also anticipated to attend.

Director Park Chan-wook is a globally acclaimed South Korean filmmaker renowned for his distinctive cinematic style, evident in masterpieces like 'Oldboy,' 'The Handmaiden,' and 'Decision to Leave.' His works consistently garner praise from both critics and audiences for their striking visuals, intricate narratives, and unique character portrayals. The new film 'The Uncontrollable' is generating significant anticipation due to its collaboration with prominent South Korean actors Lee Byung-hun and Son Ye-jin.