The 30th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) concluded on Friday after a successful 10-day run that reinforced its position as Asia's premier film showcase. This landmark edition attracted more than 175,000 admissions across 328 official screenings, representing an increase of approximately 20,000 attendees compared to the previous year, according to festival organizers who announced the figures during a press conference at the Busan Cinema Center.
The milestone 30th edition was particularly notable for introducing a groundbreaking new competition section featuring 14 outstanding Asian films. This inaugural competitive category marked a significant evolution for the festival, with winners of the first-ever Busan Awards set to be announced during the closing ceremony. BIFF Director Jung Han-seok revealed that internal discussions among the seven-member jury, headed by acclaimed director Na Hong-jin known for "The Chaser" and "The Wailing," had been intensely competitive.
"I think we have taken the first step quite successfully," Jung Han-seok said regarding the new competition section during the press conference. "In aiming to build a more competitive platform for Asian cinema, we've also affirmed the festival's value to the industry." The director emphasized that organizers are currently reviewing the festival's results to ensure an even stronger performance in the following year, building on this year's achievements.
The new competition format has already demonstrated tangible benefits for participating filmmakers. According to organizers, two films included in the competition section – Daisuke Shigaya's "Leave the Cat Alone" and Vimukthi Jayasundara's "Spying Stars" – successfully secured international sales agents following the announcement of their inclusion in the competitive lineup.
This year's festival attracted an impressive roster of globally acclaimed directors, actors, and industry figures, significantly elevating the event's international profile. Distinguished guests included directors Jafar Panahi, who received the Asian Filmmaker of the Year Award, alongside renowned filmmakers Guillermo del Toro and Sean Baker. The star-studded attendee list also featured prominent actors including Juliette Binoche, Tony Leung, Milla Jovovich, Tony Leung Chiu-wai, and Shu Qi, all of whom contributed to the festival's prestigious atmosphere.
To enhance its programming diversity, BIFF introduced several innovative initiatives this year. The festival launched "Carte Blanche," a special session where prominent cultural figures shared their favorite movies with audiences. This new program featured contributions from "Parasite" director Bong Joon-ho and "KPop Demon Hunters" co-director Maggie Kang, among others. Additionally, Forum BIFF made its return after a three-year absence, offering valuable discussion sessions focused on the current state and future prospects of Asian cinema.
The festival's closing ceremony was scheduled for 6 p.m. on Friday, with actress Claudia Kim serving as the host for the concluding event where the inaugural Busan Awards winners would be revealed to the international film community.
