Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) provides a unique experience you cannot experience at any other film festival. Known for its focus on the Asian film market and embrace of diversity, BIFF is one of the most influential film festivals in Asia. Held in Busan, the vibrant city resonates with the atmosphere of the festival, adding to the festivity. Founded in 1996 and greeting its 29th edition, the festival has grown to become a platform for the international exchange of films, actors, cultures, and artistries.
From world-class to emerging directors, BIFF provides filmmakers, especially Asian and Korean filmmakers, with the chance to present their films to the international audience. The festival functions as an important gateway that connects Asian filmmakers to global audiences. Asia-focused characteristics of the festival can be seen from various selection lists and awards of the festival, such as “The Asian Filmmaker of the Year”, granted to an Asian filmmaker or filmmaking organization who made the most significant contribution to the advancement of the Asian film industry, “Kim Jiseok Award”, presented to films of established Asian filmmakers, and the selection list “A Window on Asian Cinema”, which showcases movements of various styles and visions within Asian Cinema. BIFF shines a spotlight on Korean and Asian filmmakers, turning the international audience’s attention towards the rich cinematics of Asian films.
The festival is also intent on discovering new talents with its “New Currents” selection featuring emerging directors with two or fewer feature films. Various awards selected from this selection, such as “New Currents Award”, awarded to the two best feature films from the selection, “Flash Forward Audience Award”, awarded to non-Asian filmmakers for their first or second feature film, and “Chorokbaem Media Award”, an award intended to support new directors in Korean cinema. These awards reflect BIFF’s mission to elevate the next generation of cinematic voices.
Screening 279 films from 63 countries, one of BIFF’s main features is “diversity.” The festival does not limit its definition of “films” to only feature films. Documentaries, short films, and experimental films are all enjoyed and acknowledged at the festival. The festival is far from mere screening of selected films: “Actor’s House” and “Master Class”, talk sessions by renowned actors and directors provide the audience with a chance to engage directly with the creators of their favorite films, and “Open Talk”, featuring deep discussions between filmmakers and actors, offer a glimpse into the creative process and collaborative efforts behind the films.
Whether you are a film enthusiast or just curious, the festival is open to everyone. Over 10 days, the festival offers numerous opportunities to explore global cinema, engage with filmmakers, and experience the vibrant cultural atmosphere that only BIFF can provide. The unique combination of its focus on Asian cinema and its celebration of diversity makes BIFF an unmissable cultural event, offering experiences that cannot be replicated at any other film festival in the world.
