Busan's 30th Autumn: The 30th Busan International Film Festival
New Competition Section and Busan Award
Aiming for Global Recognition
Across Busan: Busan Cinema Center, Centum City, Nampo-dong, and More
The race begins in the sea of cinema starting this year.
The 30th Busan International Film Festival, the largest film festival in Asia, will be held across Busan for 10 days from September 17 to 26. The opening ceremony will take place at 6 p.m. on September 17 at the outdoor theater of the Busan Cinema Center. This event is sponsored by the Busan Metropolitan Government and organized and hosted by the Busan International Film Festival.
This year's festival will showcase the most diverse lineup in its history, featuring 241 officially invited films from 64 countries, 87 Community BIFF screenings, and 32 Neighborhood BIFF films. There will be 90 world premieres unveiled for the first time anywhere. The participation of world-renowned directors and Asian stars promises a rich and vibrant celebration.
To commemorate the 30th edition, an official competition section has been established for the first time. Fourteen major Asian works have been invited, and the newly created "Busan Award" will recognize winners in five categories: Grand Prize, Best Director, Jury Special Prize, Best Actor, and Artistic Contribution. Winners will receive a trophy designed by world-renowned director Apichatpong Weerasethakul. The opening film is "No Other Choice" directed by Park Chanwook, while the closing film will be replaced by the Grand Prize winner of the "Busan Award."
Audience-friendly programs will also be expanded. Community BIFF will be held from September 18 to 21 at BIFF Square in Nampo-dong and Megabox Busan Theater, while Neighborhood BIFF will take place from September 17 to 26 under the theme "Wind Path" at 15 locations throughout the city. Various side events such as Open Cinema, Actors' House, Master Class, and Special Talk have also been prepared.
In addition, the "2025 Asia Contents & Film Market" will be held simultaneously at BEXCO Exhibition Center II and online from September 20 to 23. Marking its 20th anniversary, this market will feature participation from over 1,200 companies and 2,500 individuals from more than 50 countries. New programs will be introduced, including "InnoAsia," which combines film, content, and innovative technology; "The A," an Asian knowledge and information platform; "Doc Square," a documentary co-production support program; and the ACF Co-Production Support Fund.
Park Hyungjoon, Mayor of Busan, stated, "The 30th Busan International Film Festival marks both the footsteps of Busan's growth as a global film city and a new starting point for further progress," adding, "We will strengthen the resurgence of Korean cinema and the unity of Asian films."
He also emphasized, "Starting with the film festival, Busan will shine as a cultural city with a variety of autumn festivals, including Festival October, the Fireworks Festival, and G-Star."
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