Programmers of the BUSAN International Film Festival(BIFF) dedicate an entire year to the ten-day film festival in Busan in October. They have lovingly shared their recommendations for 5 must-see films out of the 279 excellent works being screened this year. We hope today’s films will enrich the audience’s tomorrow.
NAM Dong-chul, Senior Programmer, Asia (Japan, Iran, West Asia)
Trend of the Year Director Kurosawa Kiyoshi, who made two feature films this year, has been honored with the Asian Filmmaker of the Year award. Many films by young directors are invited to Cannes and Venice Film Festivals, including <Desert of Namibia>, <My Sunshine>, <Ghost Cat Anzu>, <Happyend>, and <Super Happy Forever>. In West Asia, Iranian films are making a comeback. Among them, <The Seed of the Sacred Fig> was shown at the Cannes Film Festival, <My Favourite Cake> at the Berlin International Film Festival, and <The Witness> at the Venice Film Festival.
Programmer’s Joy I feel great satisfaction when directors discovered by BIFF create new works that garner international attention. Nader Saeivar, who presented <No End> in the New Currents section two years ago, received the Orizzonti Extra Audience Award at Venice for <The Witness>, while Okuyama Hiroshi’s <My Sunshine>, which was completed through the Asian Project Market (APM), was invited to the Un Certain Regard section at Cannes.
Memories of BIFF In 2017, BIFF faced a crisis with the passing of Senior Programmer Kim Jiseok. However, we managed to hold the festival successfully thanks to everyone’s efforts to carry on his wishes. The moment when director Mohsen Makhmalbaf kissed the late programmer’s photo during the memorial event that year is deeply etched in my memory.
Films to Watch Together Don’t movies make us dream, reveal truths about the world, and let us experience lives we haven’t lived? I believe films still have a big impact on people. I do this job because I want to spread that influence through good movies.
1 Kuno Yoko, Yamashita Nobuhiro <Ghost Cat Anzu> This animation brings to life the quirky imagination of a cat that talks, rides a scooter, and does massage as a part-time job. It’s adorable to see a world where humans, cats, and spirits coexist without batting an eye.
2 Matsushige Yutaka <The Solitary Gourmet> As a frequent viewer of <The Solitary Gourmet>, I couldn’t miss the movie version. You can meet Matsushige Yutaka, who plays the main character ‘Goro,’ in person in Busan.
3 Yamanaka Yoko <Desert of Namibia> Kawai Yuumi, a young Japanese actress we’ve noticed in <Yuko’s Pendulum> and <Plan 75>, shows everything she’s got without holding back. This is a film that can only work when there is a special relationship between director and actress.
4 Mohammad Rasoulof <The Seed of the Sacred Fig> A masterpiece by Mohammad Rasoulof, who faced political oppression in Iran. While it shows the current state of Iranian society through film, it’s not at all superficial and has incredible psychological depth.
5 Iman Yazdi <For Rana> It starts like an ordinary family drama, but the carefully built-up story eventually whirls into an emotional storm. A work that shows the strength of Iranian cinema.
PARK Sun Young, Programmer, Asia (Central Asia, South Asia, Chinese-speaking regions)
Trend of the Year Asian films are making a strong showing in the global film scene, especially at the Cannes Film Festival. Most notably, there’s been a rise in excellent films by female directors from various regions.
Programmer’s Joy I love my job of watching films all year round, meeting filmmakers, and introducing the movies I’ve seen. I’m especially happy when I watch a film that makes my heart flutter, and when I successfully invite the films and filmmakers to Busan to meet the audience. It’s also a great joy to find social media posts where viewers say, “This film was the best this year because of this reason” after leaving the theater.
Memories of BIFF I remember the excitement two years ago when audiences aged 10 to 70 filled the seats for Leung Chiu Wai’s open talk, with questions and answers flying back and forth. It was also very touching in 2019 when Afghan director Sahraa Karimi said, “For directors from countries like ours with unfavorable film education environments, especially female directors like me, it’s a dream to receive education at BIFF’s Asian Film Academy and then return to Busan with our own work. I’ve achieved that dream.” These moments keep me working at the film festival.
Films to Watch Together I hope to share works that have the power of their time with the audience. Films that prove a time and place, and thus have strength, creating a space for dialogue. I want to watch films with complex layers that allow for various interpretations together.
1 Payal Kapadia <All We Imagine as Light> This Cannes Grand Prix winner captures the hearts of two women swaying with the camera. It announces the birth of one of this year’s most noteworthy directors.
2 Farkhat Sharipov <Soldier of Love> A musical film from Kazakhstan. What beautiful and enchanting music and dance scenes!
3 Deepak Rauniyar <Pooja, sir> A Nepalese female police officer digs deep into a case. It’s fresh, new, and never boring.
4 Charles Hu <As the River Goes By> Is it reality or a dream? Was it you I lost, or was it me? Dreamlike dance scenes and sudden clashes of past and present. A work showing boldness that’s hard to believe is from a new director.
5 Shuchi Talati <Girls Will Be Girls> A delicate portrayal of a daughter entering adolescence and a mother facing a late-life crisis. Winner of the Audience Award at Sundance Film Festival.
PARK Sungho, Programmer, Asia (Southeast Asia, Asian Short Films)
Trend of the Year Many new Southeast Asian directors have made feature films showcasing their imagination, while established directors have produced realistic films full of on-site atmosphere. Southeast Asia is a region where both commercial and art film markets are expanding rapidly, and we’re constantly collecting information and supporting new talents. The Asian Short Film Competition, which selects 10 films, received a record-breaking 4,300 submissions this year. With increased freedom of expression, there’s been a general increase in works focusing on personal narratives.
Programmer’s Joy I believe a programmer’s job is to support free creators without interfering, to quickly recognize excellent works, and to network with and encourage filmmakers in the field. From the moment I wake up until I go to sleep, I think about films, filmmakers, and film festivals. The preparation process is challenging, but I can continue this work because I find joy in watching movies.
Memories of BIFF I feel touched and grateful when hundreds of volunteers’ names roll up on the big screen at the outdoor theater like ending credits at the closing ceremony. I’m sincerely thankful to all those who support the film festival every year.
Films to Watch Together I like warm films. I want to share with the audience films that are unforgettable, that make you think a lot, or that keep lingering in your mind. Such films have the power to change lives, even if just a little. Movies broaden my worldview and ultimately act as a catalyst for my growth.
1 Lav Diaz <Phantosmia> This film asks, “How far can an individual resist in a society engulfed by violence?” It’s one of the Out of Competition titles at the Venice International Film Festival.
2 Rithy Panh <Meeting with Pol Pot> It raises questions about how a journalist can maintain their conscience amidst false propaganda. It premiered at the Cannes Film Festival.
3 Tumpal Tampubolon <Crocodile Tears> A shocking work where a mother’s love for her son turns into obsession.
4 Duong Dieu Linh <Don’t Cry, Butterfly> A story about a mother trying to hold onto her cheating husband and a daughter frustrated by the situation. Selected for Critics’ Week at the Venice International Film Festival.
5 Eric Khoo <Spirit World> This year’s closing film, premiering at our festival, offers mature emotions. It will be the best choice to wrap up this year’s festival.
PARK Dosin, Senior Programmer, English-speaking regions (USA, Canada), Midnight Passion
Trend of the Year Over the past few years, I’ve noticed a growing presence of women filmmakers as I prepare for film festivals. Not only has the number of works increased, but the quality has also greatly improved. The activities of new female directors are particularly noticeable. In particular, Arianna Martinez’s <Do I Know You From Somewhere?> combines bold and experimental elements with a maturity that’s unusual for a newcomer.
Programmer’s Joy Sometimes directors or actors who aren’t well-known in Korea come to BIFF and receive a passionate welcome. Seeing filmmakers moved by audiences from a far-off country cheering after watching their films and lining up for autographs after Guest Visit sessions is always rewarding as a programmer.
Memories of BIFF Last year, we screened a low-budget film called <Starring Jerry As Himself> that mixed fiction and documentary. The director honestly portrayed the story of his father and family, and the whole family visited Busan at the time. They weren’t celebrities, and the person playing the father wasn’t even a professional actor. Even so, the audience responded enthusiastically. I felt truly proud seeing the family surrounded by the audience.
Films to Watch Together Films have various functions. Some emphasize artistry, while others are purely for entertainment. Whatever they deal with, I want to introduce films that will stay in people’s memories for a long time. I hope audiences can encounter more films that they didn’t expect but can still relate to.
1 Sean Baker <Anora> Director Sean Baker has consistently directed since presenting <Tangerine> in 2014. His works always reject the ordinary. By watching <Anora>, you can see once again why he’s loved worldwide.
2 Jesse Eisenberg <A Real Pain> Jesse Eisenberg, who both stars in and directs the film, shows such excellent directing skills that you would think he’ll be more acclaimed as a director than an actor. This was the most talked-about work at this year’s Sundance Film Festival.
3 Sue Kim <The Last of the Sea Women> Although it’s an American film, it deals with the story of Korean haenyeo (female divers). It’s the debut work of Korean-American director Sue Kim, unfolding the joys and sorrows of the few remaining haenyeo.
4 Tak Se-woong <Ghost Train> It’s rare for a Korean film to be selected for the “Midnight Passion” section, which screens late-night showings. This well-made, low-budget horror film features a great transformation by lead actress Joo Hyunyoung.
5 Alex Garland <Civil War> This film, released in the first half of this year in the US, caused quite a stir. It has excellent quality that keeps the audience focused, a unique setting of the US civil war, and incredibly realistic battle scenes.
SEO Seunghee, Programmer, World (Western Europe, Central Europe, Africa)
Trend of the Year The increasing number of works by female directors is even more noticeable this year. Patricia Mazuy, who directed <Visiting Hours>, which is selected for Gala Presentation, Louise Courvoisier of <Holy Cow>, Tallulah H. Schwab of <Mr. K>, Margherita Vicario of <Gloria!>, and Agathe Riedinger of <Wild Diamond> are all female directors. They will all hold Guest Visit sessions with the audience in Busan.
Programmer’s Joy I naturally focus most on selecting great films for the festival. Arranging meetings between good directors and the audience is also important, and I hence emphasize invitations as well. I’m glad that many European directors are coming to Busan this year. Personally, I love Miguel Gomes so much that I own all of his work on DVD, and I prepared the special exhibition ‘Miguel Gomes, A filmmaker of Joyful Melancholy’ with great pleasure.
Memories of BIFF I’ve often witnessed directors being moved and sometimes tearing up in front of the numerous Busan audiences. I suddenly recall when we introduced Ladj Ly’s <Les Misérables> and Emmanuel Mouret’s work at the outdoor theater. I confidently recommend the Latvian director’s animation <Flow>, which can be seen at this year’s Open Cinema.
1 Maura Delpero <Vermiglio> The second feature film by Maura Delpero, whose <Maternal> was well-received when invited to BIFF. It won the Grand Jury Prize at the Venice International Film Festival. It’s a visually aesthetic work, so I strongly recommend watching it in theaters.
2 Johan Grimonprez <Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat> It rhythmically delves into the connection between 1960s jazz and politics. The entire film feels like a jazz symphony. It’s a chance to meet Johan Grimonprez, who is also well-known as a video artist.
3 Margherita Vicario <Gloria!> The first feature film by Margherita Vicario, who is also an actress and singer. It’s a period drama with musical elements, and it’s extremely satisfying and fun.
4 Paola Cortellesi <There’s Still Tomorrow> A film that shook the entire Italian film industry in 2023, ranking in the top 10 highest-grossing Italian films of all time. You’ll be surprised from the first scene to the last.
5 Ludovic Boukherma, Zoran Boukherma <And Their Children After Them> Perhaps because it’s based on a novel that won the Prix Goncourt, the script is solid. The acting is so good that it won the Best Young Actor award at the Venice International Film Festival. Above all, the music is excellent. It’s a film that will deeply move you.
Karen PARK, Programmer, World (Latin America, Eastern Europe), English-speaking regions (UK, Australia)
Trend of the Year Millennials are getting more attention worldwide. This year saw a notable rise of young female directors.
Programmer’s Joy I feel bittersweet when viewers say, “I wish that film from Busan would get a regular release.” Some films shown at festivals are hard to see again in Korea. Through films, we can find common ground in unfamiliar stories, broaden our view of the world, and hopefully understand and accept others better. I hope for more chances to make this possible.
Memories of BIFF In 2009, I worked at the 14th BIFF as a contract staff, not a programmer. We had a sudden increase in the number of invited films and guests, and I worked nights for a week before opening day. I was worried, but seeing the big screen at the outdoor yacht racing stadium felt magical. It was a moment where “the memory of a sharp first kiss changed the direction of my fate.” I recall that moment during life’s ups and downs.
Films to Watch Together Isn’t watching movies about finding a common ground in attitudes and tastes? Many films at festivals, especially world premieres, have strong attitudes and clear tastes, making it hard to find that perfect balance. Still, viewers can experience new worlds through films and gain fresh perspectives. Even if it doesn’t lead to immediate empathy or change, I think it can bring meaningful awareness.
1 Rich Peppiatt <Kneecap> It reminds me of Kim Gu’s foresight about “eternal wish for possessing power of high culture.” A must-see on Hangul Day.
2 Rúnar RÚNARSSON <When the Light Breaks> A tragic story that tugs at your heart, but an 80-minute “audiovisual feast” that pleases your eyes and ears.
3 Luis Ortega <Kill the Jockey> An unpredictable main character and a story that swings between absurdity and brilliance make it fun and cool.
4 Rungano Nyoni <On Becoming a Guinea Fowl> Even if you don’t know where Zambia is on the globe, the anger and resignation of the women there will feel chillingly familiar.
5 Jethro Massey <Paul and Paulette Take a Bath> A French chic romance film that handles a potentially heavy topic with an incredibly clean touch.
JUNG Hanseok, Programmer, Korean films
Trend of the Year We aim to introduce interesting new commercial films and discover excellent independent films. This is not conflicting, but a task that any film festival should embrace. At BIFF, the former is in the Special Premiere section, and the latter is in the Vision section. The Special Premiere section is showing 5 films, the highest number ever, and the Vision section has expanded from 10 to 12 films this year. Both sides have had success, so I’m looking forward to the opening with a happy heart.
Programmer’s Joy It’s rewarding when a film I liked is also well-received by industry professionals and audiences, gets attention and love, and the people who made it become talked about, giving them opportunities to make even better films. This year is also special because many directors who debuted through the Busan International Film Festival are returning to Busan.
Memories of BIFF I remember 2021 when we reopened the film festival after the seemingly endless pandemic period. It was surprisingly joyful to meet people, laugh, and chat together again. As someone who creates a film festival, it was incredibly moving.
Films to Watch Together There are so many films I want to introduce, and it’s a bit different every year. This year, I want to share films with ‘curiosity’ and ‘quirkiness’ with the audience.
1 Park Songyeol <Kike Will Hit a Home Run> A new work by Park Songyeol you can see at the Vision section. You feel sorry, then scary, but also hilarious.
2 Kang Mija <Spring Night> The lead character recites a poem. I searched for that poem and read it over and over for a week. This film feels like a poem itself.
3 Park Ri-woong <The Land of Morning Calm> The second feature film of Park Ri-woong, who directed <The Girl on a Bulldozer>. Despite being an annoyingly familiar story, it still made my eyes wet. I felt the same way even when I watched it again.
4 Choi Jongyong <Waterdrop> At first, I felt sorry for the main child character. After a while, the child started to look cunning. By the end, you think the child’s face contains many aspects of the world.
5 Lee Jong-su <Inserts> A man and woman meet on a film set and are drawn to each other. The man likes the woman more, so he clings to her and waits for a long time. It’s a sharp and charming love story.
KANG Sowon, Programmer, Wide Angle
Trend of the Year This year’s Korean Documentary Competition section is filled with directors’ first feature films or works by new talents. We expect it to be an interesting showcase of the changing landscape in Korean documentaries. In the Asian Documentary Competition, many ‘personal documentaries’ that start with stories about oneself or family are screened. They deal with more universal subjects on a personal level, making them highly engaging. The Documentary Showcase section, built with a strong lineup of films introduced or awarded at prestigious international film festivals, is also expected to leave a satisfying viewing experience.
Programmer’s Joy When a director not yet known in the international film festivals introduces their film as a world premiere at BIFF, and when they are encouraged by the audience’s reaction, I feel proud, as if I’ve been praised for my work.
Memories of BIFF The scene of actor Leung Chiu Wai receiving the Asian Filmmaker of the Year award at the opening ceremony of 2022 is etched in my mind like a movie scene. As the theme from Wong Karwai’s <In the Mood for Love> played, the outdoor theater screen showed the most beautiful moments from Leung Chiu Wai’s career, after which he took the stage. When the film and actor that stood alongside my memories of youth appeared before my eyes, my heart fluttered.
1 Ito Shiori <Black Box Diaries> This work, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, proves the powerful, tornado-like force of documentary. It’s a film I couldn’t miss, having waited anxiously for the longest time until the invitation was confirmed.
2 Wang Bing <Youth (Hard Times)>, <Youth (Homecoming)> Director Wang Bing is becoming a legend in modern Asian documentaries, proving that ‘good people make good movies’. Following last year’s screening of <Youth (Spring)>, we introduce parts 2 and 3 of his trilogy together.
3 Lee So-jeong <Every Single Dot> The first feature-length documentary by Lee So-jeong, who has been making remarkable short films. Every shot is inspiring, and every moment is fascinating. A work that will offer a mysterious and mystical experience.
4 Sohn Koo-yong <At the Park> A poetic and gentle film about maintaining peace amidst noise and gradually expanding one’s universe. Watching this film clears your mind. The director must be just like the film.
5 Shonali Bose <A fly on the Wall> An unexpected film that turns the theme of euthanasia into a celebration of life. Many thoughts and complex emotions come rushing in after the film ends.
JUNG Mi, Programmer
Trend of the Year ‘Future’, ‘Culture’, ‘Youth’. We wanted to create an exciting event for the next generation based on our cultural roots. We added ‘Happy-Go-Lucky Night 2: Hansung Party Cinema’ to follow the late-night screening ‘Happy-Go-Lucky Night 1: Original (All Night)’, featuring food and drinks. Musicians like Epik High and novelists are also taking part. We hope people will enjoy the unexpected experiences of theaters turning into concert halls or classrooms, and local landmarks becoming screening venues.
Programmer’s Joy Every year, we invite people who always watch new releases to Busan. I’ve kept doing this job because I can meet good people and learn new things. I hope that visitors to our film festival will leave thinking they should come back next year. We’re aiming for a film festival that feels like a reunion every fall.
Memories of BIFF During the first BIFF, I was the World Cinema Coordinator and took a shuttle ferry between Nampo-dong and Haeundae every evening. We wanted to bring this back for the 23rd festival when we started Community BIFF, but it remained a dream. I remember Ahn Sung-ki, who quietly helped us during those 22 years. Since then, the festival has continued to try new things like BIFF Everywhere. If these attempts have left a deep impression on the audience, it’s thanks to the guests and staff who’ve been with us from the beginning.
Films to Watch Together If life is about discovering what makes you unique, nothing helps with that exercise more than movies. A two-hour vicarious experience can show you a world you didn’t know and bring new life to your everyday routine. I want to share films that capture the voices, vibes, and visions of the people who made them. You’ll be able to find beautiful films in Busan this year where you feel close to the director.
1. Jim Sharman <The Rocky Horror Picture Show> This cult classic, which created a new audience participation culture with repeat viewings, cosplay, and sing-alongs, will be screened at ‘Happy-Go-Lucky Night 2’. It’s like a ball, featuring Susan Sarandon’s fresh face, music by Moog, and ending with a talk with actress Koo Hye-sun.
2. Kim Damin <FAQ> Unique questions and creative imagination give this film a refreshing, fizzy feel. It’s a coming-of-age film for the whole family.
3. Anton Corbijn <Squaring the Circle: The Story of Hipgnosis> The director’s talent and the producer’s sincerity are as impressive as the geniuses at Hipgnosis, the album cover design studio. After the screening, we’ll revisit the eternal rock with writer Jang Jung-il.
4. PARK Kun-young <A Distant Place> This is the first leading role for actor Hong Kyung, who’s coming to Busan with the youth film <Hear Me: Our Summer>. With the backdrop of Gangwon Province’s scenery and support from actors and staff leading independent films, it heralds the era of Hong Kyung.
5. Blind Cinema A 6-hour event to watch films Jung Sung-il and Shin Hyung-chul have chosen without any prior information, followed by a discussion with them. It’s a landmark moment in Korean film criticism history.
