Announcing the ‘Vision – Korea’ and ‘Vision – Asia’ Selections of the 30th BIFF

The Vision section introduces new works from Korean and Asian independent cinema while discovering and supporting promising filmmakers. Formerly part of ‘Korean Cinema Today – Vision’, which played a pivotal role in championing Korean independent films, the section has now been established as an independent program. This year, its scope broadens across Asia, presenting works by both emerging and mid-career directors, offering a dynamic panorama of Asian creative voices. A total of 23 titles—12 under Vision – Korea and 11 under Vision – Asia—have been selected, with the awards expanded to provide stronger support for filmmakers from Korea and across Asia, including ▲Actor of the Year, ▲KB Vision Audience Award, ▲FIPRESCI Award, ▲NETPAC Award, ▲DGK PLUS M Award, ▲CGV Award, ▲KBS Independent Film Award, ▲Critic b Award, ▲Songwon Citizen Critics’ Award, ▲Hylife Vision Award, ▲Songwon Vision Award, ▲FACE OF THE FUTURE AWARD, ▲International Film Festival of India – Vision Asia Award, ▲Jury Memorial Prize, ▲Bishkek International Film Festival – Central Asia United Award, ▲Taipei Film Commission Award, ▲Vision of Jiseok Award.

‘Vision – Korea’ lineup includes Winter Days by Choi Seung-woo, the second feature following a promising debut at major domestic film festivals; Lim Junghwan’s fourth feature The Observer’s Journal, continuing his exploration of the boundaries between reality and illusion; Lee Kwang-kuk’s BEAUTIFUL DREAMER, a deeply resonant work from a director acclaimed at both international and domestic festivals. Yu Eun-jeong known for Ghost Walk (2018), returns with the enigmatic The Second Child; Shin Sun, who got attention with his debut feature, reveals the psychological drama Maze; and Shin Su-won, garnered at international film festivals including Cannes and Berlin, unfolds her seventh feature, (the) Mutation.

Also featured The Gorals by Yoo Jaewook, recognized for his sensitive portrayals of youth; Son Kyeong-su’s debut feature The Accordion Door, following his career in shorts; Kim Kyungrae’s fifth feature Two voices into an echo, after invitations to multiple international festivals; Jeong Seung-o’s realistic and poignant second feature Coming of Age; Kim Dukjoong’s The Love of Truman, his third feature following The Education (2019) and The Conversation (2021); and Kim Jinyu’s sophomore film JOURNEY THERE, returning to BIFF after his previous award-winning entry.

Tracy Choi, active in both documentary and narrative film, presents Girlfriends. Natalia Uvarova, a Russian newcomer based in Kazakhstan, and Tribeny Rai, winner of the NFDC Film Bazaar Work-In-Progress Lab, are invited with their debut features Malika and Shape of Momo, respectively.  Acclaimed across both documentary and fiction, Sanju Surendran unveils If on a Winter’s Night, while Takashi Koyama, formerly an assistant director in commercial productions, delivers his spirited second feature ALL GREENS. Kok Kok Kokoook, the distinctive debut by Maharshi Tuhin Kashyap, draws on his background in children’s theater, while Kurak, co-directed by Erke Dzhumakmatova, a producer and writer working across Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, and the late Emil Atageldiev, an auteur spinning music and cinema adds a sense of Kyrgyzstan to the lineup.

Anshul Chauhan, Indian auteur based in Japan and working across animation and live-action camera, unfolds his fourth feature Tiger. Reza Rahadian, director and actor who earned multiple acting prizes, unveils On Your Lap. Shahram Mokri, globally anticipated director for his inventive narrative and bold style, brings his much-anticipated Black Rabbit, White Rabbit. Malaysian director Ho Wi Ding, active across Asian and Europe, reveals Mothernet.

The 30th Busan International Film Festival, opening a new horizon of Korean and Asian Independent Films through expanded Vision section, will be held for 10 days from September 17 (Wed) to 26 (Fri) around the Busan Cinema Center.