Busan Film Festival Celebrates 30 Years with Bold Changes
The 30th edition of the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) concluded on March 15, 2025, with a vibrant closing ceremony that also served as an awards gala. This year marked a significant milestone for the festival, as it introduced its first competitive awards. The prestigious Busan Award for best film was awarded to Zhang Lu for his film Gloaming in Luomu, while Shu Qi, a renowned Taiwanese actress making her directorial debut, received the award for best director for her coming-of-age film Girl.
Over the course of the festival, attendees had the opportunity to view 329 films, which included 90 premieres, screened across 31 screens in seven theaters in the South Korean port city of Busan. The event was well-attended, attracting both local and international stars. Opening night featured prominent figures such as Lee Byung-hun and Blackpink’s Lisa, followed by international icons including Guillermo del Toro and Milla Jovovich.
Innovative Changes Spark Conversations
The introduction of competitive categories such as best film and best director generated considerable buzz. Many industry professionals expressed mixed feelings about these changes, with some questioning the feasibility of competing with established film festivals. According to new festival director Jung Hanseok, the discussions surrounding the new awards created a sense of engagement. “When people heard about the changes, the usual reaction was ‘Well, that will be challenging,’” Park noted. “But we’ve got people talking, which means we’ve got them engaged.”
The festival also launched a new section called Carte Blanche, inviting filmmakers and writers to select any film they wished to screen and discuss. This initiative was met with enthusiasm, quickly selling out its slots. Notable selections included Bong Joon Ho’s monster classic The Host and Aoyama Shinji’s thriller Eureka.
Korean Cinema Shines Bright
BIFF continues to highlight the depth of talent within the Korean film industry. Debut director Yoo Jaein showcased her film En Route To, which tackles the sensitive issue of a schoolgirl’s pregnancy with both candor and humor. The film has been praised for its nuanced portrayal of complex topics and introduced new talent, such as Lee Ji-won, who played the protagonist’s friend.
Other noteworthy films included Beautiful Dreamer by Lee Kwang-kuk, which explores themes of grief, and two stylish thrillers: Boss by Ra Hee-chan and Project Y by Lee Kwan, highlighting the industry’s ability to balance commercial viability with artistic expression.
Despite challenges in the local box office, BIFF reported an increase in attendance, with total admissions reaching 175,889, an increase of approximately 20,000 from the previous year. The concurrent Asian Contents & Film Market (ACFM) also saw a rise in attendees, totaling 30,006, which represented a 13.5 percent year-on-year increase.
Emerging Voices in Global Cinema
The festival also celebrated outstanding international contributions, notably from Indonesian cinema. Reza Rahadian, a prominent actor in Indonesia, premiered his debut film On Your Lap at BIFF, which received four audience awards. The film tells the story of a single mother navigating financial struggles and personal relationships, resonating deeply with viewers. Claresta Taufan, who played the lead, won the rising star award for her compelling performance.
In his remarks, Rahadian highlighted the growing recognition of Indonesian cinema on the global stage. The film’s success at BIFF underscores the increasing presence of diverse narratives in international film festivals.
As BIFF celebrated its 30th anniversary, it also acknowledged the need for continued support. The festival received a 20 percent subsidy from the Korean government, although this was a slight decrease from the previous year. Park Kwangsu, the chairperson of BIFF, emphasized the necessity for additional backing to elevate the festival to a more global level.
In a poignant moment, acclaimed Chinese director Bi Gan presented his award-winning film Resurrection, which reflects on a century of Chinese cinema. Gan articulated the unique experience of watching films together in a communal setting, stating, “Dreaming is usually done in one’s own space. However, movies are a feeling of many people dreaming together.”
The 2025 Busan International Film Festival not only celebrated significant achievements but also set a new course for the future of cinema in Asia and beyond, fostering conversations and collaborations that will shape the industry for years to come.
