30th Busan International Film Festival Concludes with Awards Celebration
The 30th installment of the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) wrapped up last Friday evening, featuring a closing ceremony that also served as an awards gala, marking the conclusion of the event’s inaugural competition. The newly introduced Busan Award recognized the accomplished Chinese-Korean filmmaker Zhang Lu for his film “Gloaming in Luomu,” which was honored as the best film. Meanwhile, Taiwanese actress-turned-director Shu Qi received accolades for her directorial debut “Girl,” a coming-of-age narrative inspired by her own childhood experiences. Throughout the five-day festival, a total of 329 films were showcased, including 90 premieres, across 31 screens in seven theaters located in this bustling South Korean port city. To celebrate three decades of cinematic excellence, the festival attracted a star-studded lineup. Local celebrities such as Lee Byung-hun, Blackpink’s Lisa, and Han Hyo-joo dazzled on the opening night, while international figures like Guillermo del Toro, Michael Mann, Juliette Binoche, and Milla Jovovich also made their presence felt. The festival was a hotspot for the global film industry, with participants eager to engage with the local scene and enjoy the vibrant parties that filled the beachside Haeundae district.
Festival Changes Spark Conversations
This year’s festival ignited discussions due to its decision to implement competitive categories such as best film, best director, and best actor, positioning itself among the elite global film festivals. BIFF’s intent to explore new directions after three decades was met with curiosity, especially given the already packed festival calendar. Festival director Jung Hanseok noted that the introduction of the Busan Awards generated excitement and debate, remarking, “When the changes were announced, many reacted with skepticism, suggesting it would be a tough task, which often implies doubts about success.” Nonetheless, the dialogue initiated by these changes indicates a heightened level of engagement among attendees, according to new program director Karen Park. Additionally, the festival introduced the quickly popular Carte Blanche section, which allows filmmakers and writers to showcase and discuss films of their choosing. Notable selections included Kang’s choice of Bong Joon Ho’s classic “The Host,” and Bong’s own spotlight on Aoyama Shinji’s thriller “Eureka.” Park expressed confidence in the festival’s adaptability, stating, “We demonstrated our willingness to embrace change and adjust to thrive in this new era.”
Korean Creativity Shines at the Festival
The Busan festival annually highlights the richness of Korean cinema, and this year was no exception. Director Yoo Jaein’s film “En Route To” addresses a delicate subject— a schoolgirl who becomes pregnant by her teacher and chooses to keep the baby— with a blend of sincerity and humor. The film also introduces Lee Ji-won, who delivers a standout performance as the girl’s spirited friend. Other notable films included Lee Kwang-kuk’s “Beautiful Dreamer,” which thoughtfully explores themes of grief and acceptance. For those in search of more commercial appeal, two stylish thrillers stood out: “Boss,” featuring a nostalgic ’90s aesthetic from director Ra Hee-chan, and “Project Y,” which pairs actresses Han So-hee and Jun Jongseo as women seeking justice. Despite a downturn in the national box office, the Korean film industry continues to show promise.
Reza Rahadian Captivates Audiences and Critics
As the major awards were announced on Friday evening, the tradition of revealing prizes during the closing press conference also continued, showcasing BIFF’s knack for surprises. Indonesian star Reza Rahadian made a significant impact with the world premiere of his debut film “On Your Lap,” which garnered four awards from both audiences and critics. The film, which follows a single mother navigating financial struggles while seeking love in a coffee shop, has been praised for its sensitivity and depth. The performance of lead actress Claresta Taufan earned her the rising star award, captivating viewers with what programmer Park Sungho described as “a poignant glimpse into a woman’s intimate struggles and her tenuous grip on hope during a crisis.” With Indonesian cinema gaining recognition at international festivals, Rahadian’s talent and the film’s quality are expected to further elevate its status.
Attendance Figures Indicate a Positive Trend
In a refreshing turn amidst Korea’s declining box office and production statistics, BIFF reported a surge in attendance, with total admissions reaching 175,889, an increase of approximately 20,000 from the previous year. Concurrently, the Asian Contents & Film Market (ACFM) saw 30,006 attendees, reflecting a 13.5 percent rise year-on-year. The festival’s venues experienced high demand for tickets, and significant events like the Imax premiere of del Toro’s “Frankenstein” brought the kind of excitement that many festivals aspire to achieve. BIFF aims to sustain this positive momentum, although it seeks additional support, as this 30th edition received a 20 percent subsidy from the Korean government, a slight decrease from last year. BIFF chairperson Park Kwangsu emphasized the need for more backing to elevate the festival to a global level.
Bi Gan’s Enthusiastic Call to Action
Chinese filmmaker Bi Gan took a moment to address any remaining skepticism regarding the vitality and future of cinema. He presented his Cannes-winning film “Resurrection,” which serves as a tribute to a century of filmmaking in China. This film exemplifies the expanding horizons of Chinese directors in terms of themes and styles. BIFF provided ample opportunities for engaging cinematic experiences, often featuring stars eager to participate in audience discussions. Gan captured the essence of the festival experience by stating, “Watching a movie together in a theater with others is a uniquely special experience. While dreams are often personal, films allow us to collectively share those dreams.”
