Busan International Film Festival Opens as First A-list Event in Asia
The 31st Busan International Film Festival has begun, marking its debut as an A-list festival recognized by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations.
Busan's 31st International Film Festival launched on Tuesday, celebrating its first A-list status granted by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations, joining Cannes, Berlin and Venice. The festival will run until Oct. 15, showcasing 247 films from 59 nations, the most extensive lineup since 2019, with 95 world premieres. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences added BIFF to the six festivals whose top award qualifies for Oscar submission in the Best International Feature Film category.
A jury chaired by Chinese director Zhang Yimou will select the Busan Award winner from 14 competition entries representing several Asian countries. Highlights include the opening Korean film "The Table: Day and Night" and appearances by global stars such as Maggie Gyllenhaal, Isabelle Huppert, Zhou Xun, Fan Bingbing and director Alfonso Cuarón, who is attending the festival for the first time. The Asian Filmmaker of the Year award will go to Michelle Yeoh, and the Camellia Award to Ann Hui, both attending in person. An Asian Contents and Film Market will run alongside the screenings for industry professionals.
Why it matters
BIFF's A-list accreditation boosts its global profile and gives Asian films a stronger pathway to the Oscars.
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