Busan Film Festival to Present Korean Cinema Award to Founder Kim Dong-ho
The Busan International Film Festival will honor its founder, Kim Dong-ho, with this year’s Korean Cinema Award during the opening ceremony on Oct. 6.
At the 31st Busan International Film Festival, founder Kim Dong-ho will be recognized with the Korean Cinema Award, acknowledging his role in founding BIFF in 1996 and directing it for 14 years. By rejecting pre-screening by state censors, Kim secured the festival’s autonomy, fostering the rise of Korean directors who later achieved worldwide acclaim. His career spans senior posts at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Korean Film Council, and the Seoul Arts Center, as well as academic leadership at Dankook University.
At 85, Kim debuted as a documentary filmmaker with *Mr. Kim Goes to the Cinema*, featuring conversations with figures such as Bong Joon Ho and Park Chan-wook. The Oct. 6 opening ceremony will also honor Michelle Yeoh as Asian Filmmaker of the Year and Ann Hui with the Chanel-backed Camellia Award, hosted by actor Kim Minha.
Why it matters
The award highlights the festival’s historic impact on Korean cinema and celebrates the legacy of its creator.
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