(Busan) The 31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) has embarked on a new journey, transforming into a top-tier 'A-list' film festival that extends beyond Asia. The festival has elevated its global status through innovative approaches in its competitive sections, attracting numerous filmmakers and stars from around the world to celebrate this new chapter. Despite an unexpected autumn chill, the enthusiasm of attendees marked a vibrant opening for this year's festival.
This year's festival holds special significance as it is the first to be held after being recognized as a competitive feature film festival by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF). With this recognition, BIFF joins the ranks of major global festivals such as Cannes, Berlin, and Venice, further solidifying its international prestige. The winner of the festival's top award, the 'Busan Award - Grand Prize,' will also qualify for submission for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film, underscoring its global authority.
The opening ceremony and red carpet event took place on October 6 at the Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae District, where a large crowd of film enthusiasts and industry professionals gathered, transforming Busan into a 'sea of cinema.'
This year's ceremony was hosted solo by actress Kim Min-ha, who stated, "Every story has a beginning. The story announced at the closing ceremony in ten days will not be an end but another beginning. This year, we take another step toward the world. Let's take that new first step together at the 31st Busan International Film Festival."
Before the opening ceremony, the red carpet showcased a star-studded lineup, reflecting the festival's elevated status. Global stars such as Michelle Yeoh, Fan Bingbing, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Erika Sawajiri, and Shuhua graced the event. Prominent South Korean actors including Jeon Do-yeon, Cho Yeo-jeong, Kim Hye-ja, Hwang Jung-min, Jo In-sung, Hyun Bin, Jung Woo-sung, Ryu Seung-ryong, Son Seok-koo, and Park Ji-hyun also attended, generating excitement. Renowned directors like Lee Chang-dong, Na Hong-jin, Hiroshi Koreeda, and Xu Anhua also walked the red carpet, enhancing the festival's prestige.
The ceremony included a tribute award presentation honoring legendary filmmakers who have contributed to the festival's history and reputation. The 'Camelia Award' was presented to Hong Kong director Xu Anhua, recognized for her unwavering confidence and meticulous planning in her work, showcasing diverse female characters.
The 'Korean Film Contribution Award' was awarded to Kim Dong-ho, former chairman of the Busan International Film Festival, for his lifelong dedication to promoting Korean cinema on the global stage. Kim expressed his gratitude, stating, "I owe my achievements today to the support of filmmakers and everyone who has shown love over the past 31 years. I continue to introduce Korean films in over ten countries this year and will strive to promote Korean cinema worldwide in the future."
Michelle Yeoh, who received the 'Asian Film Person of the Year' award, remarked, "I am honored and grateful to receive this award commemorating my life dedicated to Asian cinema. After many years, I return to Busan and extend my heartfelt congratulations on the global achievements of the Busan International Film Festival."
Park Kwang-soo, the festival director, expressed gratitude to esteemed guests, including director Im Kwon-taek and Alfonso Cuarón, for attending despite challenging circumstances. Busan Mayor Park Jeong-su welcomed attendees, saying, "On behalf of the citizens of Busan, I thank everyone who has nurtured the Busan International Film Festival as it turns 31. I hope you enjoy great films and take home the charm of Busan."
Excitement is also building for the newly established international competition section. Executive Committee Chair Jung Han-seok noted, "Last year, we broke the inertia and attempted changes toward the future, resulting in a gratifying outcome of elevated global status," as he introduced 13 carefully selected films competing in this section.
Chair of the competition jury, director Zhang Yimou, stated, "Korean cinema is gaining global attention beyond Asia, and there is much to learn. The stage for Asian cinema should not be confined to Asia but should expand globally. We will select outstanding works that will leave a lasting impression during this festival." The jury includes Zhang Yimou, Bikan, Ishikawa Kei, director Jeong Joo-ri, actress Choi Hee-seo, Samal Yeslamova, and producer Tran Thi Bich Ngoc.
The opening film of this year's festival is 'Day and Night Are for Each Other,' directed by Kim Jong-kwan. The film features light-hearted and candid conversations among four couples in a café. On stage, Kim expressed gratitude, saying, "I deeply appreciate that our film, which tells the beauty of small and trivial things, is given significance by a global film festival."
The 31st Busan International Film Festival, running until October 15, will showcase a diverse array of 316 films from 59 countries, including 69 films in the Community BIFF section. The closing ceremony will feature screenings of major award-winning films, including the 'Busan Award - Grand Prize,' which qualifies for submission for the Academy Awards.
This year's festival holds special significance as it is the first to be held after being recognized as a competitive feature film festival by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF). With this recognition, BIFF joins the ranks of major global festivals such as Cannes, Berlin, and Venice, further solidifying its international prestige. The winner of the festival's top award, the 'Busan Award - Grand Prize,' will also qualify for submission for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film, underscoring its global authority.
The opening ceremony and red carpet event took place on October 6 at the Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae District, where a large crowd of film enthusiasts and industry professionals gathered, transforming Busan into a 'sea of cinema.'
This year's ceremony was hosted solo by actress Kim Min-ha, who stated, "Every story has a beginning. The story announced at the closing ceremony in ten days will not be an end but another beginning. This year, we take another step toward the world. Let's take that new first step together at the 31st Busan International Film Festival."
Before the opening ceremony, the red carpet showcased a star-studded lineup, reflecting the festival's elevated status. Global stars such as Michelle Yeoh, Fan Bingbing, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Erika Sawajiri, and Shuhua graced the event. Prominent South Korean actors including Jeon Do-yeon, Cho Yeo-jeong, Kim Hye-ja, Hwang Jung-min, Jo In-sung, Hyun Bin, Jung Woo-sung, Ryu Seung-ryong, Son Seok-koo, and Park Ji-hyun also attended, generating excitement. Renowned directors like Lee Chang-dong, Na Hong-jin, Hiroshi Koreeda, and Xu Anhua also walked the red carpet, enhancing the festival's prestige.
The ceremony included a tribute award presentation honoring legendary filmmakers who have contributed to the festival's history and reputation. The 'Camelia Award' was presented to Hong Kong director Xu Anhua, recognized for her unwavering confidence and meticulous planning in her work, showcasing diverse female characters.
The 'Korean Film Contribution Award' was awarded to Kim Dong-ho, former chairman of the Busan International Film Festival, for his lifelong dedication to promoting Korean cinema on the global stage. Kim expressed his gratitude, stating, "I owe my achievements today to the support of filmmakers and everyone who has shown love over the past 31 years. I continue to introduce Korean films in over ten countries this year and will strive to promote Korean cinema worldwide in the future."
Michelle Yeoh, who received the 'Asian Film Person of the Year' award, remarked, "I am honored and grateful to receive this award commemorating my life dedicated to Asian cinema. After many years, I return to Busan and extend my heartfelt congratulations on the global achievements of the Busan International Film Festival."
Park Kwang-soo, the festival director, expressed gratitude to esteemed guests, including director Im Kwon-taek and Alfonso Cuarón, for attending despite challenging circumstances. Busan Mayor Park Jeong-su welcomed attendees, saying, "On behalf of the citizens of Busan, I thank everyone who has nurtured the Busan International Film Festival as it turns 31. I hope you enjoy great films and take home the charm of Busan."
Excitement is also building for the newly established international competition section. Executive Committee Chair Jung Han-seok noted, "Last year, we broke the inertia and attempted changes toward the future, resulting in a gratifying outcome of elevated global status," as he introduced 13 carefully selected films competing in this section.
Chair of the competition jury, director Zhang Yimou, stated, "Korean cinema is gaining global attention beyond Asia, and there is much to learn. The stage for Asian cinema should not be confined to Asia but should expand globally. We will select outstanding works that will leave a lasting impression during this festival." The jury includes Zhang Yimou, Bikan, Ishikawa Kei, director Jeong Joo-ri, actress Choi Hee-seo, Samal Yeslamova, and producer Tran Thi Bich Ngoc.
The opening film of this year's festival is 'Day and Night Are for Each Other,' directed by Kim Jong-kwan. The film features light-hearted and candid conversations among four couples in a café. On stage, Kim expressed gratitude, saying, "I deeply appreciate that our film, which tells the beauty of small and trivial things, is given significance by a global film festival."
The 31st Busan International Film Festival, running until October 15, will showcase a diverse array of 316 films from 59 countries, including 69 films in the Community BIFF section. The closing ceremony will feature screenings of major award-winning films, including the 'Busan Award - Grand Prize,' which qualifies for submission for the Academy Awards.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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