The 31st Busan International Film Festival officially kicked off with a star-studded opening ceremony on October 6th, bringing together filmmakers and actors from Korea and around the world.
The opening ceremony was held at the Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae, Busan, with actress Kim Min-ha serving as the evening’s MC.
A host of major Korean stars walked the red carpet, including Kim Hye Ja, Sul Kyung Gu, Jeon Do Yeon, Hwang Jung Min, Jung Woo Sung, Cho Yeo Jeong, Kim Hyun Joo, Zo In Sung, Hyun Bin, Son Suk Ku, Park Ji Hyun, Shim Eun Kyung, You Chea Myung, Jung Sung Il, Yoon Kyung Ho, Lee Sun Bin and Roh Jeong Eui. (G)I-DLE’s Shuhua also attended the event.
International stars and filmmakers who traveled to Busan included director Hirokazu Koreeda, actress Erika Sawajiri, Fan Bingbing and Michelle Yeoh.
Opening the ceremony, Kim Min Ha reflected on her connection to BIFF.
“I owe a lot to the Busan International Film Festival from last year,” she said. “My film Leaving North Korea: Hana Korea received the Audience Award at the 30th Busan International Film Festival.”
“Unlike the other awards, it was voted on directly by the audience,” she continued. “I don’t know if anyone who voted for the film last year is here today, but I want to thank you.”
Kim Min Ha also opened up before taking the stage.
“I was really scared before coming out here,” she admitted. “But then I had a thought.”
Reflecting on her characters Sunja from Apple TV Plua’s Pachinko and Hye-seon from North Korea: Hana Korea, she said, “They must have been scared, too, when they first set out on unfamiliar paths. But they kept walking, and their stories remained. I think everyone here today is the same.”
“Making a film is like setting out on an uncharted path,” she continued. “At last year’s opening ceremony, Lee Byung Hun said, ‘Every story has a beginning.’ At the closing ceremony, Claudia Kim responded, ‘It’s not the end, but another beginning.’”
“I am carrying on that story of ‘another beginning,’” she added. “Let’s take a step toward the world. Shall we take that first step together?”
Her words officially marked the beginning of the 31st BIFF.
This year’s festival features 247 officially invited films, including 95 world premieres and 10 international premieres. With films presented through CommunityBIFF, a total of 316 works will be screened for audiences.
The Camellia Award was presented to acclaimed director Ann Hui. Established jointly by BIFF and Chanel, the award recognizes pioneering women in film and celebrates their contributions to the film industry and the arts.
The Korean Cinema Award went to Kim Dong Ho, BIFF’s former executive director. Kim became the festival’s first executive director in 1996 and played a key role in its development, particularly in protecting BIFF’s independence and freedom of expression.
The Asian Film Maker of the Year award was presented to Hong Kong actress Michelle Yeoh, recognizing her outstanding contributions to Asian cinema and culture.
“It is an incredible honor to receive the Asian Film Maker of the Year award here,” Michelle Yeoh said. “The way our stories can cross cultures and borders is deeply meaningful to me.”
Returning to Busan for the first time in 15 years, she added, “It is very meaningful to be back in Busan after so many years. I also want to congratulate the Busan International Film Festival on everything it has achieved.”
“Behind every film are people who believed in you, encouraged you to take on new challenges, and stayed by your side throughout the journey,” she continued. “Having those people in my life has been a great blessing.”
This year’s competition jury consists of seven members, with acclaimed Chinese director Zhang Yimou serving as president. The jury also includes director Bi Gan, actress Samal Yeslyamova, director Kei Isikawa, director July Jung, producer Tran Thi Bich Ngoc, and actress Choi Hee Seo.
The festival opened with The Table: Day and Night, directed by Kim Jong Kwan. Set in a cafe over the course of a single season, the film follows conversations unfolding between day and night. The cast includes Kim Min Ha, Joo Jong Hyuk, Han Sun Hwa, Chang Ryul, Shim Eun Kyung, Lee Hee Jun, Jeon So Young and Kim Dong Hwi.
The 31st Busan International Film Festival will run through October 15th at venues around the Busan Cinema Center.
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