[Newsletter Vol.12] D-8: Welcoming the Season of Cinema
2025. 09. 09 13:23
Newsletter Vol. 12 | 2025.09.09.
Hello 👋
At last, the long-awaited season of cinema is here.
You might be wondering, "What exactly is the season of cinema?"
Well, when the Busan International Film Festival opens its doors,
what else could we possibly call it?
So let’s just say: September = the season of cinema. 😎
And of course, the quickest way to savor the festival spirit is through this newsletter.
We’ve prepared another edition filled with updates and highlights you won’t want to miss.
Let’s dive in.
🎬 The Present and Future of Asian Cinema: BIFF’s New Competition Section 🎬
The biggest change at this year’s Busan International Film Festival is the launch of a brand-new Competition Section — and the spotlight falls on 14 remarkable titles from across Asia.
Let's take a look at the lineup.
Gloaming in Luomu
Resurrection
Spying Stars
Masters Return: Zhang Lu, Bi Gan, Vimukthi Jayasundara —
celebrated auteurs whose very names raise expectations — unveil their latest works.
Funky Freaky Freaks
En Route To
Another Birth
New Voices Rising: From Korean filmmakers Han Chang-lok and Yoo Jaein to Tajikistan’s emerging director Isabelle Kalandar, fresh perspectives make their debut.
Girl
Leave the Cat Alone
Actors Behind the Camera: With The Girl, actress Shu Qi steps into directing —
already earning a Competition berth at Venice.
Spotlight on Japan: Emerging Japanese filmmaker Shigaya Daisuke makes a bold statement with Leave the Cat Alone, a work brimming with daring and unconventional vision.
Two Seasons, Two Strangers
Left-Handed Girl
BAKA's Identity
Without Permission
Global Buzz: Catch hot titles like Two Seasons, Two Strangers starring Shim Eun Kyung; Left-Handed Girl, produced by Oscar-winning director Sean Baker; BAKA's Identity by Nagata Koto, once an assistant director to Shunji Iwai, unveiling his own feature; and Without Permission, a searing look into Iranian society.
Seven O'Clock Breakfast Club for the Brokenhearted
By another name
Korean Filmmakers’ Return: Lim Sun-ae and Lee Jeahan also present their highly anticipated new films.
With veterans and first-time directors all in one place,
who will take home the very first 'Busan Award' trophy? 🏆
📌Ticket reservations for Competition titles open today, September 9 (Tues) at 14:00 KST.
Don’t miss the chance — this lineup may be remembered for years to come. 😉
🌺 2025 Camellia Award Goes to Sylvia CHANG! 🌺
The recipient of this year’s Camellia Award has been revealed:
acclaimed Taiwanese director, actor, and producer Sylvia Chang 👏.
For over five decades, Chang has expanded the horizons of Asian cinema both on and off screen, earning recognition as a pioneering figure for women in film.
Reflecting on her journey, she remarked, “I accepted this honour with thankful heart.
It’s a blessing to be a filmmaker for 53 years, and still going on.”
She will meet audiences at BIFF with her latest work Measure in Love,
invited to this year’s Open Cinema section.
📌 The award will be presented at the Opening Ceremony on September 17 (Wed),
followed by the Open Cinema screening of Measure in Love.
Like the camellia — the symbolic flower of Busan —
this moment promises to bloom with beauty and meaning 🌸.
🎬 European Women Directors Take the Spotlight at BIFF 🎬
The Busan International Film Festival, in collaboration with European Film Promotion (EFP), presents a special program: “EUROPE! VOICES OF WOMEN+ IN FILM”! 🎬
A total of 16 films by European women directors have been officially invited, ranging from acclaimed works by internationally recognized auteurs to daring new projects by emerging voices.
Even more exciting, eight of the directors — including Laura Samani, Laura Wandel,
and Julia Kowalski — will travel to Busan to meet audiences in person,
offering a rare opportunity for direct dialogue and exchange.
💬 With initiatives like this, one can only ask: just how far will BIFF’s reach extend this year?
🎬 2025 CHANEL X BIFF Asian Film Academy Opens!
On September 7 (Sun) in Haeundae, the CHANEL X BIFF Asian Film Academy (BAFA) officially welcomed 24 emerging filmmakers from 17 countries at its opening ceremony.
Over the next 20 days, the fellows will embark on an intensive creative journey that fosters collaboration, innovation, and bold new visions.
This year’s edition is particularly notable for its highest-ever competition rate (26:1) and the increased representation of women fellows, promising a richer diversity of perspectives.
The fellows’ work will culminate in the premiere of eight short films, to be screened on September 25 (Thurs), 19:00 KST at the Busan Cinema Center. At the graduation ceremony,
two outstanding fellows will be honored with the CHANEL X BAFA Promising Filmmaker Award, each receiving a cash prize. 🌟
👉 The future of cinema is being written here — are you ready to discover it?
🎤 Open Talk & Outdoor Greeting: Lineup Announced!
Following last week’s reveal of Carte Blanche, Actors’ House, and Talk-to-Talk, BIFF has now unveiled the full schedule for Open Talk and Outdoor Greeting events 🎬✨.
Beloved directors and actors from Korea and abroad will gather at the BIFF Outdoor Stage at the Busan Cinema Center to connect with audiences in a truly up-close and personal setting.
That’s all for today’s update — but we couldn’t just end it there 😉.
Since it’s also reservation day,
we’ve prepared a small bonus to help those still deciding which films to see. 💌
📌 PR Team’s Staff Picks for BIFF 2025! 📌
Although we won’t have time to sit in the cinema during the festival, we do see countless materials and stills long before they’re made public. From that privileged first look, each of us chose one title that immediately made us say: “I need to see this!”
Of course, these are just personal favorites — so take them lightly (and maybe with a grin).
🔥 <PR Team’s Anticipated Films at 2025 BIFF> 🔥
1. Frankenstein — Guillermo del Toro’s long-awaited first visit to Korea, plus Oscar Isaac on screen. How could we possibly miss this?
2. Eagles of the Republic — A sharp political thriller where satire collides with melodrama. We’re already on edge.
3. JOURNEY THERE — Justin Min on the big screen at last! Time to quench that thirst, yearning, craving, obsession.
4. KOKUHO — With a striking cast and unforgettable stills, curiosity runs high for this one.
5. Habibi Hussein — At the twilight of cinemas, the final projectionist of Palestine’s Cinema Jenintakes the spotlight. A moving documentary that recalls Cinema Paradiso.
6. All Asian Short Film Competition entries — Why? Because programmer Park Sungho raved about this lineup: 10 shorts, 10 genres, 10 distinct charms. (Recommended by ‘the Kinder Programmer’ Youtube director!)
As we flip through the calendar, the festival edges closer into view.
Don’t forget: general ticket reservations open today (September 9) at 2PM. 🎟️
If there’s a title you’ve been eyeing, make sure you grab it in time!
We’ll be back in the next newsletter with even more highlights to share.
Until then, stay tuned for a festival that keeps getting brighter. ✨
