(=Busan) The 31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) has announced its elevation to a FIAPF-accredited competitive feature film festival, marking a significant milestone. The festival's competition jury has conveyed profound messages about the future of Asian cinema and the essence of creativity.
On the morning of October 7, a press conference for the competition jury was held at the Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae District. The jury, led by renowned director Zhang Yimou, included directors Bi Gan, Kei Ishikawa, and Jeong Juri, as well as actors Choi Hee-seo and Samal Yeslyamova, and producer Tran Thi Bich Ngoc.
Returning to Busan after many years, jury chair Zhang Yimou stated, "BIFF is already an important film festival in Asia, and its international influence is growing. As the world pays attention to the rise of Asian cinema, festivals in Busan and other Asian countries must develop so that the world can see the excellence of our films."
Other jury members also expressed their excitement. Director Jeong Juri remarked, "BIFF has played a unique role in introducing Asian films to the world and discovering talent. It is a globally recognized festival that is mentioned first wherever you go."
Director Bi Gan, who participated in the competition section last year with "The Age of Shadows," said, "This year, I feel more at ease coming as a jury member." Kei Ishikawa, who previously attended the festival as a closing film director, expressed his joy at being able to stay longer and enjoy the festival this time. Actor Choi Hee-seo shared, "Seeing the names of the esteemed jury members, I am eager to learn. I will approach this with a sense of responsibility and engage in deep discussions to ensure a fair evaluation."
The jury members articulated their distinct philosophies for selecting "good films" from numerous submissions.
Director Bi Gan explained, "While bad films can be recognized intuitively, good films are difficult to summarize in one word. I will focus on films that become a 'challenge' beyond experience, breaking barriers boldly and expressing freely while connecting human emotions."
Actor Choi Hee-seo referenced the philosophy of director Asghar Farhadi to explain her criteria, stating, "I believe a good film is one that poses questions rather than provides answers. Truly great films begin when the audience leaves the theater. While there are many aesthetically and technically excellent films, I want to find those that leave a mark on the heart and inspire viewers to become better people."
The jury also addressed recent controversies surrounding the relationship between historical truth and creative works.
Director Zhang Yimou commented, "Creation is often based on facts, but it must transcend life. There is always debate about the truth of historical facts. When history approaches through the form of art, the audience's feelings will inevitably differ, and the emergence of dissenting opinions is part of the charm of cinema."
Director Jeong Juri, known for films inspired by real events, confessed to feeling both pressure and responsibility as a creator. She stated, "While I have never wavered in the fact that films are fictional stories and characters, I sometimes feel intimidated seeing how someone might be hurt by a creative work and how that criticism is expressed. However, regardless of where the story comes from, filmmakers must take full responsibility for the worlds they create. I hope to continue my work while anticipating diverse opinions, including criticism and empathy."
This year, the festival has significantly enhanced its prestige by becoming a FIAPF-accredited competitive feature film festival, granting the winner eligibility for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film.
Director Bi Gan emphasized the importance of fostering diverse discourse about films through the competition format, stating, "Determining first and second place is less important than the discussions that arise from the competition itself."
Producer Tran Thi Bich Ngoc added, "Just as BIFF's 'New Currents' section has long played a role in discovering and promoting emerging Asian talent, the establishment of this new competition section will serve as a powerful catalyst for the growth of Asian cinema. With the winning film heading directly to the Oscars, I believe it will become a greater platform for showcasing Asian films to the world."
Meanwhile, the 31st Busan International Film Festival, running from October 6 to 15, features a diverse lineup of 316 films from 59 countries, including 69 community BIFF screenings. The opening film is "Day and Night Are for Each Other" directed by Kim Jong-kwan, and the closing film will showcase the winners of major categories, including the "Busan Award - Grand Prize," which qualifies for submission to the Academy Awards.
On the morning of October 7, a press conference for the competition jury was held at the Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae District. The jury, led by renowned director Zhang Yimou, included directors Bi Gan, Kei Ishikawa, and Jeong Juri, as well as actors Choi Hee-seo and Samal Yeslyamova, and producer Tran Thi Bich Ngoc.
Returning to Busan after many years, jury chair Zhang Yimou stated, "BIFF is already an important film festival in Asia, and its international influence is growing. As the world pays attention to the rise of Asian cinema, festivals in Busan and other Asian countries must develop so that the world can see the excellence of our films."
Other jury members also expressed their excitement. Director Jeong Juri remarked, "BIFF has played a unique role in introducing Asian films to the world and discovering talent. It is a globally recognized festival that is mentioned first wherever you go."
Director Bi Gan, who participated in the competition section last year with "The Age of Shadows," said, "This year, I feel more at ease coming as a jury member." Kei Ishikawa, who previously attended the festival as a closing film director, expressed his joy at being able to stay longer and enjoy the festival this time. Actor Choi Hee-seo shared, "Seeing the names of the esteemed jury members, I am eager to learn. I will approach this with a sense of responsibility and engage in deep discussions to ensure a fair evaluation."
The jury members articulated their distinct philosophies for selecting "good films" from numerous submissions.
Director Bi Gan explained, "While bad films can be recognized intuitively, good films are difficult to summarize in one word. I will focus on films that become a 'challenge' beyond experience, breaking barriers boldly and expressing freely while connecting human emotions."
Actor Choi Hee-seo referenced the philosophy of director Asghar Farhadi to explain her criteria, stating, "I believe a good film is one that poses questions rather than provides answers. Truly great films begin when the audience leaves the theater. While there are many aesthetically and technically excellent films, I want to find those that leave a mark on the heart and inspire viewers to become better people."
The jury also addressed recent controversies surrounding the relationship between historical truth and creative works.
Director Zhang Yimou commented, "Creation is often based on facts, but it must transcend life. There is always debate about the truth of historical facts. When history approaches through the form of art, the audience's feelings will inevitably differ, and the emergence of dissenting opinions is part of the charm of cinema."
Director Jeong Juri, known for films inspired by real events, confessed to feeling both pressure and responsibility as a creator. She stated, "While I have never wavered in the fact that films are fictional stories and characters, I sometimes feel intimidated seeing how someone might be hurt by a creative work and how that criticism is expressed. However, regardless of where the story comes from, filmmakers must take full responsibility for the worlds they create. I hope to continue my work while anticipating diverse opinions, including criticism and empathy."
This year, the festival has significantly enhanced its prestige by becoming a FIAPF-accredited competitive feature film festival, granting the winner eligibility for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film.
Director Bi Gan emphasized the importance of fostering diverse discourse about films through the competition format, stating, "Determining first and second place is less important than the discussions that arise from the competition itself."
Producer Tran Thi Bich Ngoc added, "Just as BIFF's 'New Currents' section has long played a role in discovering and promoting emerging Asian talent, the establishment of this new competition section will serve as a powerful catalyst for the growth of Asian cinema. With the winning film heading directly to the Oscars, I believe it will become a greater platform for showcasing Asian films to the world."
Meanwhile, the 31st Busan International Film Festival, running from October 6 to 15, features a diverse lineup of 316 films from 59 countries, including 69 community BIFF screenings. The opening film is "Day and Night Are for Each Other" directed by Kim Jong-kwan, and the closing film will showcase the winners of major categories, including the "Busan Award - Grand Prize," which qualifies for submission to the Academy Awards.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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