Annual film event in Busan initiates 30th run with a shining gala, graced by celebrities.
30th Busan International Film Festival Kicks Off with Star-Studded Event
The 30th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) is currently underway at the Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae-gu, South Korea, and it's shaping up to be an unforgettable celebration of cinema.
Over a 10-day program, 328 films will be screened across seven theaters, showcasing a diverse range of stories and talents from around the world. The festival introduces its first competition section after 29 years as a noncompetitive event, with ten world premieres among the selected films vying for five awards totaling 110 million won ($80,000).
The opening ceremony was a star-studded affair, with Blackpink's Lisa, Milla Jovovich, Paul W.S. Anderson, Ken Watanabe, Kentaro Sakaguchi, Tony Leung Ka-fai, Han Hyo-joo, Ha Jung-woo, Jun Jong-seo, and Han So-hee gracing the red carpet. Lee Byung-hun, serving as both host and lead actor, departed from the traditional dual-host format to guide the proceedings with charm and grace.
The opening film, "No Other Choice," directed by Park Chan-wook, was met with applause as its cast and director took to the stage. Park Chan-wook reflected on the festival's early days and expressed amazement that his film was opening the 30th milestone edition.
One of the most anticipated guests was Iranian director Jafar Panahi, who received the award for Asian filmmaker of the year. Panahi, who was unable to return to BIFF for 17 years due to imprisonment and travel restrictions in Iran, recently won the Palme d'Or at Cannes for "It Was Just an Accident," making him the first Asian director to win top honors at Venice, Berlin, and Cannes. He dedicated the award to independent filmmakers who continue to create under pressure, in silence, or in exile.
Sylvia Chang, a veteran of the Asian film industry, received the Camellia Award for her contributions to Asian cinema across five decades. Chang, who has worked as a director, actress, and producer, was honoured at the 30th BIFF in 2025.
Jung Ji-young received the Korean Cinema Award for his contributions to Korean cinema and advocacy for creative freedom under Korea’s past military dictatorship.
Guillermo del Toro, Michael Mann, and Marco Bellocchio are among the esteemed guests attending the festival, ensuring a memorable and enriching cinematic experience for all. The 30th Busan International Film Festival continues through Sept. 26 at the Busan Cinema Center and venues throughout the city, with competition winners to be announced at the closing ceremony on Sept. 26.
Read also:
- Today's most impactful photographic moments
- Support for Eric Adams in The Post's Letters to the Editor on August 13, 2025
- Roosting Shark and Rambunctious Red Squirrels: Unconventional House Rental in Yorkshire Involving Aquatic Marvel, Squirrely Mayhem, and Mystical Planning Regulations
- Legal Dispute Dismissed with Humor: Supreme Court Laughs off Another Civil Matter Mislabeled as Criminal Prosecution
