30th Busan International Film Festival to Open Next Month with Largest Lineup Ever

A Grand Opening with Park Chanwook's "No Other Choice"
Record 328 Films to Be Screened, New Competition Section Introduced

The Busan International Film Festival will embark on its grand journey next month on September 17, presenting a diverse selection of films befitting its 30th anniversary. The festival will screen a record-breaking 328 films and expand its scope by introducing a new competition section.

The Busan International Film Festival Executive Committee held a press conference on the 26th at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Seoul to announce this year's opening film, the number of invited films, and the festival's planning direction.
[Photo by Busan International Film Festival]

The Executive Committee held a press conference on the 26th at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Seoul to announce this year's opening film, the number of invited films, and the festival's planning direction. There will be 241 official selections, which is 17 more than last year. Including the Community BIFF screenings, the total number of films reaches 328. The Executive Committee explained, "To enhance viewing convenience, we have added screening venues such as the CGV Centum City IMAX Theater, Dongseo University Sohyang Theater Shinhan Card Hall, and the Busan Audience Media Center."

The opening film is "No Other Choice" directed by Park Chanwook. It tells the story of Mansoo (played by Lee Byunghun), a laid-off office worker who embarks on his own battle to protect his family while preparing to find a new job. The film is based on the novel "The Ax" by American author Donald Westlake and marks the first time in 13 years that a Korean film has been invited to compete at the Venice International Film Festival. Lead actor Lee Byunghun will host the opening ceremony.

This year, the festival will transition from a non-competitive to a competitive format. Fourteen major Asian films, including "Twilight of Luomu" by director Zhang Lu and "Traveling and Days" by director Miyake Sho, have been invited. The newly established "Busan Awards" will present prizes such as the Grand Prize, Best Director, Jury Special Award, Best Actor, and Artistic Contribution Award. The winners will be announced at the closing ceremony, which will be hosted by actress Claudia Kim.

The Busan International Film Festival Executive Committee held a press conference on the 26th at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Seoul to announce this year's opening film, the number of invited films, and the festival's planning direction.
[Photo by Busan International Film Festival]

This year's lineup of international guests is the largest in the festival's history. Iranian director Jafar Panahi (recipient of the Asian Filmmaker of the Year Award), Sean Baker-winner of four Academy Awards for "Anora"-Guillermo del Toro, and Michael Mann will attend. Italian maestro Marco Bellocchio, visiting an Asian film festival for the first time in his life, and French actress Juliette Binoche, returning to Busan after 15 years, are also drawing attention.

From Korea, leading directors such as Park Chanwook, Bong Joonho, Lee Changdong, Lee Myungse, Ryoo Seungwan, and Kim Jeewoon will all head to Busan. Among the prominent Asian actors attending are Ken Watanabe, Hidetoshi Nishijima, Junichi Okada, and Shun Oguri from Japan; Tony Leung Chiu-wai from Hong Kong; and Chang Chen, Shu Qi, Gwei Lunmei, and Greg Hsu from Taiwan.

Special programs have also been significantly expanded. Notably, the "Icons" section, which features the latest works by master filmmakers, has increased from 17 films last year to a record 33 this year. There will also be programs where renowned figures such as director Maggie Kang and novelist Eun Heekyung personally select films and engage in discussions with the audience, as well as programs highlighting works chosen by rising female directors including Yoon Ga-eun, Kim Chohee, and Kim Se-in.

Executive Committee Chairperson Jung Hanseok stated, "Everyone knows that Korean cinema is currently facing a crisis," adding, "With this monumental and record-breaking festival, we aim to overcome the crisis and seek a new leap forward for Korean film."