The 30th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) get underway today running through September 26 across venues including the Busan Cinema Center, Centum City, and Nampo-dong, featuring a rich lineup of films, side events, and industry programs.
This year’s milestone edition will present 241 films from 64 countries in the official selection, along with 87 screenings in the Community BIFF program and 32 in the Neighborhood BIFF screenings.
A record 90 world premieres will be unveiled, offering audiences a diverse look at global cinema and opportunities to meet world-renowned directors and Asian stars.
For the first time, BIFF introduces an official competition section, making a step forward as a global competitive film festival.
The newly established “Busan Awards” will recognize works in five categories, including Grand Prize, Best Director, Jury Award, Best Actor, and Artistic Contribution.
The trophies, designed by acclaimed filmmaker Apichatpong Weerasethakul, will symbolize the prestige of the awards.
Park Chan-wook’s latest film, There’s Nothing I Can Do, will open the festival, while the Busan Award winner will serve as the closing film.
True to its community-focused identity, the festival expands its outreach through Community BIFF, Neighborhood BIFF, outdoor screenings, master classes, and artist talks.
Events such as “Actors’ House,” special talks, and outdoor stage greetings will allow closer interaction between filmmakers and audiences.
Running concurrently, the 2025 Asian Contents & Film Market will take place at BEXCO from September 20 to 23, celebrating its 20th anniversary.
This year’s market emphasizes the convergence of film, content, and technology, with initiatives like InnoAsia, The A (an Asian knowledge-sharing platform), Doc Square for documentaries, and a new joint production support fund under the Asian Cinema Fund.
Tonight’s festivities get underway with the opening red carpet event hosted by actor Lee Byung-hun at 6 p.m.
