Busan: The 30th edition of the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) begins its 10-day run, featuring Park Chan-wook's new film "No Other Choice" as the opening work. The ceremony, hosted by lead actor Lee Byung-hun, kicks off at 6 p.m. at the Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae, marking a significant milestone for Asia's leading film festival.
According to Yonhap News Agency, BIFF introduces its first full-fledged competition section this year, aimed at boosting its global reputation and competitiveness. The section includes 14 films that celebrate Asian cinema. The Best Film winner will serve as the festival's closing film, alongside awards for Best Director, Best Actor/Actress, the Special Jury Award, and the Artistic Contribution Award. Notably, ten of these films will have their world premieres during the festival.
The 30th edition showcases 241 officially invited films, an increase from last year's 224. Including selections for the Community BIFF, the total number of films presented reaches 328. The Korean Cinema Today program will premiere five Korean films, highlighting recent notable works such as Kim Byung-woo's "The Great Flood" and Ra Hee-chan's "Boss."
BIFF will also spotlight international cinema icons like Italian director Marco Bellocchio and French actress Juliette Binoche, who are expected to attend. Other notable attendees include Japanese actor Ken Watanabe, Mexican director Guillermo del Toro, and Tony Leung Chiu-wai.
In the Carte Blanche section, Oscar-winning director Bong Joon-ho has curated screenings, including Shinji Aoyama's "Eureka" and his own film "The Host," selected by Maggie Kang. The festival will also feature a special sing-along screening of Kang's Netflix animated work.
The Vision section will present 23 Asian independent films from emerging and mid-career directors. BIFF runs through September 26 at the center and other venues across Busan.