Selection List
Opening Film
Competition Competition section features 14 films from Korea, Japan, China, Taiwan, Iran, Uzbekistan, and Indonesia, showcasing the current landscape of Asian cinema and exploring new possibilities of cinematic language.
Gala Presentation Gala Presentation features a carefully curated selection of globally acclaimed films, presenting five works with attendance by their directors and casts.
Icons Icons presents 35 films by contemporary masters of world cinema. This year’s lineup highlights the distinctive aesthetics and narratives shaping today’s global cinema landscape.
Vision - Asia Dedicated to discovering and supporting independent cinema from Asia and Korea, the Vision section is divided into Vision – Asia and Vision – Korea, showcasing fresh voices and bold perspectives. This year, the section presents 12 independent film each from Asia and Korea.
Vision - Korea Dedicated to discovering and supporting independent cinema from Asia and Korea, the Vision section is divided into Vision – Asia and Vision – Korea, showcasing fresh voices and bold perspectives. This year, the section presents 12 independent film each from Asia and Korea.
A Window on Asian Cinema A Window on Asian Cinema showcases notable works by both established Asian filmmakers and emerging talents, reflecting a diverse range of perspectives and styles.
Korean Cinema Today - Special Premiere Korean Cinema Today is divided into two subsections: Special Premiere and Panorama. Special Premiere showcases premieres of recent and representative works from contemporary mainstream Korean cinema, recognized for their public appeal and significance.
Korean Cinema Today - Panorama Korean Cinema Today is divided into two subsections: Special Premiere and Panorama. Panorama offers audiences a chance to explore the breadth and evolution of Korean cinema.
World Cinema World Cinema presents a panorama of contemporary global filmmaking, extending beyond Asia. This section showcases the latest works by established filmmakers and promising new directors, featuring award-winning titles from leading international film festivals.
Flash Forward Flash Forward introduces the first or second feature films by emerging non-Asian directors who present original and distinctive cinematic visions. This section also presents the Flash Forward Audience Award, determined by audience votes.
Wide Angle - Korean Short Film Competition Wide Angle presents a curated selection of short films and documentaries that expand cinematic horizons with distinctive perspectives.
Wide Angle - Asian Short Film Competition Wide Angle presents a curated selection of short films and documentaries that expand cinematic horizons with distinctive perspectives.
Wide Angle - Documentary Competition Wide Angle presents a curated selection of short films and documentaries that expand cinematic horizons with distinctive perspectives.
Wide Angle - Documentary Showcase Wide Angle presents a curated selection of short films and documentaries that expand cinematic horizons with distinctive perspectives.
Open Cinema Open Cinema presents internationally acclaimed works that unite artistic merit with widespread appeal, inviting audiences to enjoy them together at the Roof Theater of the Busan Cinema Center.
Midnight Passion This section introduces nine films in total, three titles per night, over three nights from Thursday to Saturday.
On Screen On Screen introduces this year’s most anticipated drama series that reflect the expanding scope and value of cinema.
Special Program in Focus - Those Beautiful Years, Ahn Sung-ki This Special Program in Focus commemorates Ahn Sung-ki, a towering figure in Korean film history. The selection is centered on the list of representative works chosen by the actor himself when BIFF proposed the retrospective during his lifetime. (Co-hosted with the Korean Film Archive (KOFA))
Special Program in Focus - Japanese Animation Special: Masterpieces of Madness, Exhilarating Prospects 12+1 This major Special Program in Focus spotlights both the past and future of Japanese animation.
Special Program in Focus - Everything Everywhere All for Michelle This Special Program in Focus is dedicated to celebrating the cinematic universe of Michelle Yeoh, this year’s recipient of The Asian Filmmaker of the Year, whose singular career has extended from Hong Kong and Asia to the global stage.
Special Screenings & Carte Blanche Prominent figures from Korea and the international film and cultural industries each select a film they cherish and engage in conversations with the audience.
