Selections and Stories from Korea’s Most Beloved Figures in Film and Culture - BONG Joon-ho, Maggie KANG, GANG Dong-won, EUN Huigyeong and SOHN Suk-hee!

Marking its 30th edition, BIFF launches the Special Program in Focus: ‘Carte Blanche’.

[(Left to right) directors Bong Joon-ho and Maggie Kang, and actor Gang Dong-won]

‘Carte Blanche’ is a French term for ‘blank check,’ an expression that denotes complete freedom of choice. For the first time this year, BIFF, in partnership with Korean Film Archive, will present screenings curated by prominent figures from Korea and the international film and cultural scenes, who will share their reflections and appreciation with audiences. This special program offers an exclusive cinematic experience, allowing audience to rediscover films through the perspectives of these leading cultural figures. Participating this year are directors Bong Joon-ho and Maggie Kang, actor Gang Dong-won, novelist Eun Huigyeong, and journalist Sohn Suk-hee, each person will introduce a film they cherish, followed by a candid conversation with audiences.  

Director BONG Joon-ho X AOYAMA Shinji’s Eureka

Director Bong won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival in 2019 and four Academy Awards in 2020 (Best Picture, Best Director, Original Screenplay and International Feature Film) with Parasite, has since expanded his distinctive body of work with Mickey 17. For this screening, Bong has chosen Aoyama Shinji’s Eureka (2000) to share with audiences. Selected for Competition at the Cannes Film Festival in 2000, the film showcases Aoyama’s signature emotional nuance through the healing journey of the survivors of a tragedy. Paying tribute, Bong remarked, “It approaches in silence, settles in with unhurried grace, and ultimately stirs the deepest chambers of the heart. A masterpiece from Aoyama Shinji, a farewell gift from one who has now left us.”

Director Maggie KANG X BONG Joon-ho’s The Host

Director Kang chose Bong Joon-ho’s The Host (2006). Her Netflix animated feature Kpop Demon Hunters sparked worldwide “KDH fever”, affirming both her mainstream reach and creative vision. She revealed her cinematic inspiration, stating, “Before watching The Host I didn't know a film could move through so many different tones, drama, comedy, horror, and then do it all over again. This film taught me that many tones can coexist within a single film, it's all about knowing how to balance them.”

Actor GANG Dong-won X CHOI Dong-hoon’s Woochi

Actor Gang has selected Woochi (2009), the first Korean superhero film in which he starred. Acclaimed for his versatility across genres, he here plays a sorcerer in a lively fantasy adventure adapted from a classic Korean novel, in which wizards from Joseon are transported to modern Seoul. The film became a box-office hit. He expressed his anticipation: “Woochi is a film many call the original K-superhero movie, and I’m excited to enjoy it with audiences on the big screen again after such a long time.”

Novelist EUN Huigyeong X MIYAKE Sho’s Small, Slow but Steady

Novelist Eun celebrated for her nuanced explorations of the human psyche, has chosen Miyake Sho’s Small, Slow but Steady (2022). Premiered in the Encounters section of the 72nd Berlin Film Festival, the film follows a boxer, Keiko, a young woman deaf since birth, as she experiences subtle changes in her inner world. It has earned widespread praise for its delicate emotional depth. She described it as “A cinematic poem of silence, words traced in the air, and a riverside farewell between those who have wounded each other.”

Journalist SOHN Suk-hee X Sidney LUMET’s Dog Day Afternoon

Long-respected journalist Sohn selected Sidney Lumet’s Dog Day Afternoon (1975), a tense crime film about two men who rob a bank in New York on a sweltering summer day to pay for one partner’s sex reassignment surgery. The film explores desperation, social tensions, and complex human psychology, all captured with striking realism. Sohn explained his choice: “This year marks the 50th anniversary of the film. It’s a story of truth, marginalized voices, tragedy, and a searing critique of the media. At the time, it couldn’t be seen in Korea—but it should have been. Above all, it’s Al Pacino.”

■ The 30th Busan International Film Festival: Sep 17 (Wed) – Sep 26 (Fri)

■ The 20th Asian Contents & Film Market: Sep 20 (Sat) – Sep 23 (Tue)