30th Busan International Film Festival Celebrates Global Cinema

The 30th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) commenced on September 17, 2025, at the Busan Cinema Center in South Korea, marking three decades as a premier platform for Asian and global cinema. The festival, running through September 26, features 241 films from 64 countries, including 90 world premieres.

The opening ceremony was highlighted by the world premiere of "No Other Choice," directed by acclaimed South Korean filmmaker Park Chan-wook. The film, a satirical black comedy thriller, stars Lee Byung-hun as Man-su, a man grappling with job loss and its cascading effects on his family. Adapted from Donald E. Westlake's novel "The Ax," the story delves into themes of economic anxiety and moral ambiguity. Park noted the film's relevance, stating, "We all harbor that deep fear of employment and security." (reuters.com)

The red carpet event attracted luminaries such as director Guillermo del Toro, BLACKPINK's Lisa, and director Maggie Kang. Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi was honored with the Asian Filmmaker of the Year award, recognizing his contributions to cinema despite facing significant challenges in his home country.

This year's festival introduces a new Competition Section featuring 14 major Asian works and the inaugural Busan Awards, which will honor outstanding films in categories including Grand Prize, Best Director, Jury’s Special Award, Best Actor, and Artistic Contribution Award. The awards ceremony is scheduled for the closing night on September 26.

In addition to the main competition, BIFF emphasizes audience engagement through expanded programs such as Community BIFF and Dongnebangne BIFF. Community BIFF runs from September 18 to 21 at venues including BIFF Square in Nampo-dong and Megabox Busan Theater, while Dongnebangne BIFF, celebrating its 5th anniversary, takes place from September 17 to 26 at 15 different locations throughout Busan.

Concurrent with the festival, the Asian Contents & Film Market (ACFM 2025) is being held from September 20 to 23 at BEXCO Exhibition Hall 2 and online. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, ACFM has established itself as a leading marketplace for the Asian film and content industries. This year, the market introduces expanded programs such as InnoAsia, a platform linking innovative technologies with the film content industry, and The A, supporting co-production and distribution in the documentary sector.

The 30th BIFF occurs amid challenges in South Korea's domestic film industry, which has experienced a significant decline in box office attendance, down by 32.5% over the first half of the year. Streaming platforms have kept audiences at home, and the number of theatrical releases has dwindled. However, recent summer blockbusters and upcoming releases, including Park Chan-wook's "No Other Choice," offer a measure of optimism for the industry's recovery.

BIFF's director, Jung Han-seok, described this year's lineup as "monumental, the largest and finest in the festival's history," emphasizing the festival's role in overcoming the crisis in Korean cinema and taking a significant leap forward.

Since its inception in 1996, BIFF has grown into Asia's largest film festival, renowned for showcasing emerging talents and fostering international collaboration. The introduction of a full-fledged competition section and the Busan Awards in this 30th edition marks a significant evolution, positioning BIFF alongside other major global film festivals.

The festival will conclude on September 26 with a closing ceremony hosted by actress Claudia Kim, where the inaugural Busan Awards will be presented, celebrating the achievements of filmmakers and the enduring spirit of cinema.