Busan International Film Festival Celebrates 30th Anniversary with Expanded Lineup, New Awards, and Global Premieres

The 30th BUSAN International Film Festival commenced on September 17, 2025 at Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae-gu.

Busan, September 17, 2025 : The 30th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) officially opened on September 17, commencing a 10-day showcase of world cinema that runs through September 26 at the Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae-gu.

The opening ceremony, hosted by acclaimed actor Lee Byung-hun, began at 7 p.m. at the Center’s outdoor theater. The festival curtain rose with the Asian premiere of Park Chan-wook’s 'No Other Choice',with stars Son Ye-jin, Park Hee-soon, Lee Sung-min, and Yeom Hye-ran gracing the red carpet; following its acclaimed screenings at the Venice International Film Festival and the Toronto International Film Festival.

They were joined by BIFF Chief Programmer Park Ga-eon, officially marking the start of the festival’s 10-day cinematic celebration. This year’s edition presents a record 241 official selections, an increase of 17 from last year. Including works from associated programs, the total rises to 328 films.

The star cast of park Chan Wook's 'No Other Choice' along with BIFF Chief Programmer Park Ga-eon

A major highlight of BIFF 2025 is the introduction of the Busan Awards, which will honor excellence in Asian cinema across five categories: Best Film, Best Director, Special Jury Prize, Best Actor, and Artistic Contribution. Fourteen films are competing, including Japan’s 'Two Seasons, Two Strangers' starring Shim Eun-kyung, Korea’s 'Seven O’clock Breakfast Club for the Brokenhearted' directed by Lim Sun-ae, and China’s 'Gloaming in Luomu' by Zhang Lu.

The festival’s special programs are also expanded this year, spotlighting the works of Italian master Marco Bellocchio and celebrated French actress Juliette Binoche. The “Icon” section, dedicated to established filmmakers, features a record 33 films, while “Vision”, focusing on emerging Asian directors and independent cinema, presents 12 Korean and 11 international works.

Audiences can also look forward to Korea’s first sing-along screening of Netflix’s global hit 'KPop Demon Hunters' at Sohyang Theater Shinhan Card Hall, Dongseo University.

The 2nd day of Busan International Film Festival.

Further enhancing engagement, BIFF will host master classes with renowned filmmakers and actors, interactive sessions through 'Community BIFF', and screenings under the 'BIFF Everywhere' regional outreach project.

Notable attendees included Han Hyo-joo, Lee Soo-hyuk, Kim Yoo-jung, Keum Sae-rok, Lisa, Teo Yoo, Lee Jin-wook, Shin Ye-eun, Bang Minah, and Japanese actor Kentaro Sakaguchi. Also present was Maggie Kang, director of KPop Demon Hunters, who joined the festivities.

Adding to the star-studded atmosphere, Han So-hee, Jun Jong-seo, and YooA posed for the cameras, underscoring the festival’s diverse showcase of global talent.

Notable celebrities included Blackpink's Lisa, Han So-hee, Jun Jeong-seo and Shin Ye-eun.

The festival concludes with the closing ceremony on September 26 at the Busan Cinema Center outdoor theater. In a new format, leading filmmakers will present awards, and winners will be announced live on stage.