Now that you've got your badge sorted, hope you're ready for some exciting reveals!
Keep scrolling to find out about the selected features for two out of three of this year's Special Programs in Focus, and BIFF's very own special feature video - something we've never done before 😎
And at the end of this newsletter, we've added a link to a quick survey so that you can tell us what you'd like to know. You can ask us (almost!) anything - from BIFF news, fun facts, how to get around the festival, staff recommendations, etc. 😉 We'll do our best to bring you what we can!
1. Special Program in Focus 🎬 'Teen Spirit, Teen Movie'
Get ready to dive into the best coming-of-age films Asia has to offer in 2024!
This special program rounds up the top 10 teen movies making waves across the international film scene. Inspired by the recent surge of standout teen films in Asia, 'Teen Spirit, Teen Movie' is one of the must-see programs at this year’s Busan International Film Festival. Don’t miss out!
Girls Will Be Girls (2024)
Fishbone (2024)
These films explore the intricate relationship between mothers and daughters during puberty. Girls Will Be Girls captures the rebellious transformation of a once "good girl" as she navigates first love. Meanwhile, Fishbone explores the emotional turmoil of a young woman grappling with the aftermath of failing her college entrance exam.
I Am the Secret in Your Heart (2024)
The Uniform (2024)
These Taiwanese High Teen romance films evoke the same nostalgic vibes as Secret (2007) and Someday One Day (2023). I Am the Secret in Your Heart, based on a popular Taiwanese novel that was also published in Korea, grips audiences with its heartfelt story. The Uniform transports us back to the 90s, exploring the dynamics of hierarchy and jealousy between students in day and night classes.
Swimming in a Sand Pool (2024)
Happyend (2024)
These two Japanese films offer contrasting perspectives on Japanese closed society. Swimming in a Sand Pool is based on an actual high school's acting synopsis, adding a unique layer of authenticity. Meanwhile, Happyend portrays the tense and confrontational relationship between the students and the school's oppressive control.
City of Wind (2023)
My Sunshine (2024)
Both films delve into the relationship between a boy and a girl during their coming-of-age years, and captivate audiences with striking cinematography that vividly brings the cold, atmospheric setting to life. Key highlights include the actors' execellent performances in City of Windand the shared passion for skating between the young leads in My Sunshine.
Tiger Stripes (2023)
Tiger Stripes is a body horror film that tells the story of a young girl going through puberty, only to discover a terrifying secret about her own body. Blending an intriguing storyline with mythical elements, it earned the Grand Prix Prize at Critic's Week in Cannes last year.
2. Special Program in Focus 🎬 'Miguel Gomes, a filmmaker of Joyful Melancholy'
BIFF 2024 is rolling out the red carpet for none other than Portugal’s cinematic maestro Miguel Gomes! We're very excited to share our Special Program in Focus featuring all of his feature films to date. Film buffs and critics and all our followers worldwide - get ready to sail into the genius of Gomes 🌠
The Face You Deserve (2004)
Our Beloved Month of August (2008)
You'll find that Gomes likes to play with boundaries - The Face You Deserve intertwines reality and fantasy, while Our Beloved Month of August blurs the distinction between fiction and documentary.
Tabu (2012)
Tabu (2012) is a black-and-white film that swings between the melancholic and the magical. It tells the story of an elderly woman’s wild past in colonial Africa, complete with forbidden love, crocodiles, and a silent movie vibe.
Arabian Nights Vol. I -
The Restless One (2015)
Arabian Nights Vol. II -
The Desolate One (2015)
Arabian Nights Vol. III -
The Enchanted One (2015)
Miguel Gomes's Arabian Nights trilogy reimagines the familiar tales with vibrant music that had the entire audience on their feet, dancing to the end credits during its screening at the Directors' Fortnight at the Cannes Film Festival 2015.
The Tsugua Diaries (2021)
Grand Tour (2024)
These two films delve into the process of filmmaking itself. The Tsugua Diaries is particularly meta, documenting the making of the film during the COVID-19 pandemic, while Grand Tour, Gomes's latest feature, reflects on the act of storytelling across different cultures and histories.
3. 2024 BIFF Special Feature 👀
(Click image above to watch the full video!)
This year's Busan International Film Festival Special Feature video is all about nostalgia, with the slogan 'Theater Makes Memory', as we look back at how it's the old-school, analog experiences that shape who we are. The short film even dusts off some vintage props from previous festivals, such as tickets, classic cameras, and those iconic movie soundtrack tapes. It's like a cinematic time machine that'll give you all the BIFF feels 😊
BIFF Special Feature is something we haven't done before - we'd hugely appreciate if you let us know if you like it through the comments section!
4. Ask Us (Almost!) Anything!
And last but not least - we'd hugely appreciate if you participate in our survey! We've made this survey so that we can bring you the content you actually want, the stuff you're actually curious about.
So, go ahead and spill the beans - we'll do our best to bring you (almost!) anything and everything!
