Busan International Film Festival Celebrates 30th Edition with Record-Breaking Attendance and Diverse Programming
The 30th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) has kicked off with a bang, featuring Park Chan-wook's 'The Beguiled' as its opening film and drawing a star-studded lineup of guests. The opening ceremony, hosted by actor Lee Byung-hun and directed by Min Kyu-dong, saw over 5,000 attendees, including acclaimed directors Michael Mann and Guillermo del Toro, alongside numerous international and domestic actors, creating a spectacular start to the festival. According to BIFF organizers, ticket sales and sold-out screenings have significantly increased compared to the same period last year, underscoring the festival's immense popularity.
As the festival progresses, it offers a rich array of events, including 445 official screenings, 255 audience Q&A sessions (GV), and expanded Masterclasses and Special Talks. The Actor's House featured sessions with prominent actors like Lee Byung-hun, Son Ye-jin, and Kim Yoo-jung, while Masterclasses hosted renowned directors such as Marco Bellocchio and Michael Mann. A heartwarming moment occurred when director Guillermo del Toro personally signed autographs for attendees after a sing-along screening of 'K-Pop Demon Hunters'.
In its newly established competition section, 12 out of 14 selected Asian films have completed their premiere screenings to enthusiastic applause, with the winners of the Busan Award set to be announced at the closing ceremony on September 26th. The Asian Contents & Film Market (ACFM) also reported a successful launch with new programs and a record number of industry participants. Community BIFF and Neighborhood BIFF have further enhanced the festive atmosphere with engaging, audience-driven activities.
The festival continues into its second week with highly anticipated events, including GVs with Hong Kong cinema icon Tony Leung, masterclasses with Isabelle Huppert, and special talks with directors Lee Chang-dong and Johnnie To, promising an unforgettable experience for film enthusiasts until its conclusion on September 26th.
The Busan International Film Festival is a premier cinematic event in Asia, dedicated to fostering the growth of Asian cinema and promoting international cultural exchange. Held annually in Busan during the autumn season, it attracts film lovers from around the globe with its diverse film selections and engaging programs featuring directors, actors, and critics. This year's 30th anniversary edition introduced a new competition section and expanded its offerings, solidifying its status as a major global film festival.