The 31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) has announced the jury for the New Currents Award, which aims to discover emerging directors shaping the future of Asian cinema.
According to BIFF on September 22, this year's jury includes Indian director Rima Das, Chinese producer Shan Juolong, and South Korean actress Shim Eun-kyung.
The New Currents Award, recognized as a significant platform for emerging Asian directors, selects one debut film from the competition and vision sections, awarding a prize of 20 million won.
Rima Das, serving as a jury member this year, is known for her films such as 'Village Rockstars' (2017), 'Village Rockstars 2' (2024), and 'Not a Hero' (2026), which deeply explore the relationship between humans and nature, as well as themes of recovery and dreams. She has received accolades at prestigious international film festivals, including the BIFF Jiseok Award and a special mention at the Berlin International Film Festival's Generation Kplus section.
Producer Shan Juolong has established himself as a key figure in Asian cinema, producing notable films such as 'Ash Is Purest White' (2023) by director Jia Zhangke, which has garnered attention at Cannes, Venice, and Berlin, and 'The Botanist' (2025) by director Zheng Yi. He also produced 'The Age of Wilderness' (2025), which won the Busan Award for Artistic Contribution at last year's BIFF.
Shim Eun-kyung's participation is also noteworthy. The actress, who has worked extensively in both South Korea and Japan, won Best Actress at major domestic awards for her roles in 'Sunny' (2011) and 'Miss Granny' (2014). She has since expanded her career in Japan, winning accolades at the Japan Academy Awards and the Kinema Junpo Awards for her performances in 'The Journalist' and 'Days of Travel,' showcasing her exceptional acting skills.
With three jurors who have made significant contributions across various fields in Asian cinema, film fans are eager to see what new currents they will highlight this year.
Meanwhile, the 31st Busan International Film Festival will take place from October 6 to 15 at the Busan Cinema Center.
According to BIFF on September 22, this year's jury includes Indian director Rima Das, Chinese producer Shan Juolong, and South Korean actress Shim Eun-kyung.
The New Currents Award, recognized as a significant platform for emerging Asian directors, selects one debut film from the competition and vision sections, awarding a prize of 20 million won.
Rima Das, serving as a jury member this year, is known for her films such as 'Village Rockstars' (2017), 'Village Rockstars 2' (2024), and 'Not a Hero' (2026), which deeply explore the relationship between humans and nature, as well as themes of recovery and dreams. She has received accolades at prestigious international film festivals, including the BIFF Jiseok Award and a special mention at the Berlin International Film Festival's Generation Kplus section.
Producer Shan Juolong has established himself as a key figure in Asian cinema, producing notable films such as 'Ash Is Purest White' (2023) by director Jia Zhangke, which has garnered attention at Cannes, Venice, and Berlin, and 'The Botanist' (2025) by director Zheng Yi. He also produced 'The Age of Wilderness' (2025), which won the Busan Award for Artistic Contribution at last year's BIFF.
Shim Eun-kyung's participation is also noteworthy. The actress, who has worked extensively in both South Korea and Japan, won Best Actress at major domestic awards for her roles in 'Sunny' (2011) and 'Miss Granny' (2014). She has since expanded her career in Japan, winning accolades at the Japan Academy Awards and the Kinema Junpo Awards for her performances in 'The Journalist' and 'Days of Travel,' showcasing her exceptional acting skills.
With three jurors who have made significant contributions across various fields in Asian cinema, film fans are eager to see what new currents they will highlight this year.
Meanwhile, 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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