The 31st Busan International Film Festival has announced the seven members of its competition jury.
On September 17, the festival appointed director Zhang Yimou as the jury chair for the competition section. Joining him are directors Bikan and Jeong Joo-ri, actress Samal Yeslyamova, director Ishikawa Kei, producer Tran Thi Bich Ngoc, and actress Choi Hee-seo.
Zhang Yimou is a prominent Chinese director known for winning the Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival, the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival, and the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival. He will lead the jury in evaluating 13 films selected for the competition.
Director Bikan gained attention with his feature debut 'Kylie Blues' and 'The Last Night on Earth.' Last year, he was invited to the Busan International Film Festival's competition section with 'The Era of Wilderness,' where he received the Artistic Contribution Award.
Kazakh actress Samal Yeslyamova won the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival for her role in 'Ayka.' Director Ishikawa Kei made waves at the Venice Film Festival with 'The Record of a Fool' and won eight awards, including Best Picture at the Japan Academy Awards for 'A Man.'
Director Jeong Joo-ri has had all three of her films, 'Dohuiya,' 'Next Sohee,' and 'Dora,' invited to the Cannes Film Festival. Vietnamese producer Tran Thi Bich Ngoc has showcased her works at international film festivals in Berlin, Toronto, and Tokyo, and oversees the project market and talent project at the Da Nang Asian Film Festival.
Choi Hee-seo has worked not only as an actress but also in directing and producing. She directed the short film 'Bandi' in the anthology 'Unframed' and starred in and produced 'Bedford Park,' which will be screened at this year's Busan International Film Festival.
The competition section of the Busan International Film Festival was introduced last year. This year, the jury is composed of individuals active in the Asian film industry, including directors, actors, and producers.
The winners of the competition section will receive the 'Busan Award.' There are five award categories: Grand Prize, Best Director, Jury Special Award, Best Actor, and Artistic Contribution Award, with a total prize money of 110 million won.
The 31st Busan International Film Festival will take place from October 6 to 15 at the Busan Cinema Center.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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