[Newsletter Vol.11] The Permeating Fragrance of Cinema
2025. 09. 04 12:02
Newsletter Vol. 11 | 2025.09.04.
Hello again! 👋
Let’s start with the good news:
Only 13 days until the Film Festival begins - less than 2 weeks to go!
While Tuesday’s newsletter alerted us to the beginning of the festival,
Today we’re here to share more practical information about what’s coming up.
▶ BIFF is racing toward its climax
Let’s run together🏃♀️💨
🎤 Official Events Schedule Revealed! - Audiences Programs
From Carte Blanche, Special Talk, Actors’ House, Talk-to-Talk, Master Class, and Cine Class..
Soon to be released - Open Talk, Outdoor Stage Greeting;
we have an incredible lineup of event programs waiting to meet audiences. 🎬
🍿Carte Blanche
Carte Blanche is a rare chance to enjoy hand-picked films by leading cultural figures and hear their personal stories behind the picks. Our stellar host lineup includes Bong Joon-ho, Gang Dong-won, Sohn Suk-hee, and Maggie Kang. Can’t wait to see their life-changing films!
🎬 Special Talk
Expanded Guest Visit(GV) session following screenings. Renowned domestic and international auteurs and actors such as Chung Jiyoung, Michael Mann, Sylvia Chang, Lee Chang-dong, Johnnie To, Jang Joonhwan, Lee Je-hoon, and Ryoo Seungwan will take the stage to share in-depth stories regarding their films.
🌟 Actors’ House
BIFF’s signature program welcomes Lee Byung Hun, Son Yejin, Ninomiya Kazunari, and Kim Youjung, as they share personal stories and acting philosophy.
💡 Talk-to Talk
From scene-stealing actors and emerging female directors to global cinema figures, this year offers diverse talk sessions where you can hear directly from voices in the film industry.
🎓 Master Class
Marco Bellocchio, Michael Mann, Sergei Loznitsa, Jafar Panahi, and Juliette Binoche!
Can you imagine all these masters in one place? This dream scenario is becoming reality in Busan - a masterclass featuring prominent global cinema legends!
📚 Cine Class
Cine Class interprets cinema within its social context. Kogonada, Paul W.S. Anderson, Alexandre Koberidze, Giorgi Koberidze, and La Frances Hui will participate in exploring the messages in films and generational meanings.
For more information and the screening schedule, please refer to the press release below.
This year’s BIFF is packed with entertainment beyond the screen -
this is exactly how to fully enjoy the festival experience.✨
for the newly established competition section and the Busan Award!
Led by director Na Hong-Jin known for The Wailing (2016),
the seven-member panel brings together Korean and international talent,
spanning both emerging and veteran voices.
👩⚖️ Jury Members
Na Hong-Jin, one of Korea’s most prominent new-generation masters
Tony Leung Ka-fai, the internationally acclaimed Hong Kong actor
Nandita Das, the Indian actor-filmmaker with an exceptional global presence
Marziyeh Meshkiny, the leading female director of the Iranian New Wave cinema
Kogonada, a celebrated director among cinephiles
for Columbus (2017) and After Yang (2021)
Yulia Evina Bhara, the Indonesian producer
who has expanded the scope of Southeast Asian cinema
Han Hyo-joo, one of Korea’s leading actors
now broadening her reach across the global stage
The five categories of the Busan Award
include Best Film, Best Director, Special Jury Prize, Best Actor, and Artistic Contribution,
with a total cash prize of KRW 110 million and a trophy to be awarded.💫
🌬️ Films flow with Wind, reaching Everywhere in Busan
Haeundae isn’t the only stage for BIFF.
BIFF Everywhere is returning, transforming 15 locations
throughout Busan into a cinematic destination.
This year’s keyword is Wind Path - opening routes to films amid our busy lives.
🎥 What’s New This Year?
Marking its 5th edition, it extended to cover all of Busan, plus Gyeongnam and Yangsan,
A total of 15 places increased by six compared to last year.
Huge expansion of features and short animations - 36 works
All programs — from screenings and GV to hands-on experiences
— are free to attend! (except for certain programs).
✨Unmissable Highlights
168 The deck
Performances and film screenings with stunning views of
North Port and the Busan Harbor Bridge
-> Blue Giant, with commentary from music director Mowg
-> Hear Me: Our Summer, with director Jo Seon-ho Q&A and interactive sign-language session
MOMOS Coffee Yeongdo Roastery & Coffee Bar
-> Time to Be Strong, with live performance of the score by band Byul.org and a Q&A with director Namkoong Sun, actor Choi Sung-eun, and Kang Chaeyun.
-> Still Walking Screening
Millak Waterside Park
-> Exorcism Chronicles: The Beginning, with appearances by original author Lee Woo Hyouk, director Kim Dong Chul, and voice actors Choi Han and Nam Do-hyung.
-> AUDITION 109, sequel to Wish, with talk with actor-director Jung Woo and the team
Family Program
-> Dadaepo Sunset Fountain of Dreams: Heartspring: Teenieping of Love with a fountain show
-> Eco Delta City: Wonka screening
📌Screening Guidelines
To ensure accessibility for all, screenings under BIFF Everywhere are free of charge; though certain events require reservations. For detailed information,
please find the Press Release below.
The Film Festival extended its energy beyond Busan
to cafes, parks, hospitals, and even naval venues.
This year’s BIFF Everywhere truly lives up to its name —
you’ll find the festival everytime everywhere, all at once!
