28th Busan International Film Festival: Official Dates and Submission Details Announced

The 28th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) has officially announced its dates, establishing a significant period for the global cinematic calendar. Scheduled to run from Wednesday, October 4, to Friday, October 13, 2023, this year's festival is poised to underscore its position as a preeminent film event in Asia.

The core activities of the festival will be conducted at the Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae District, a distinguished architectural landmark that has served as BIFF's dedicated venue since 2011. This facility, alongside other locations throughout Busan, will host a comprehensive program of screenings, industry forums, and related events, welcoming filmmakers, industry professionals, and film enthusiasts from around the world.

The Busan International Film Festival possesses a substantial history, having been inaugurated on September 13, 1996, as the first international film festival in Korea. From its inception, BIFF has consistently focused on identifying and promoting new films and emerging directors, with a particular emphasis on fostering Asian cinematic talent. Over the years, BIFF has been instrumental in advancing Korean and Asian cinema globally, receiving commendations such as the UNESCO Fellini Award in 2007 and being designated Asia's first UNESCO City of Film in 2014. The festival's commitment to talent development is further evidenced by initiatives such as the Asian Project Market (APM), which facilitates connections between promising film projects and potential co-producers and financiers.

Film Submissions Now Open: A Platform for Global Talent

The 28th BIFF is currently welcoming submissions for its official selections. The call is extended to fiction films, documentaries, and animations completed after October 2022. The festival prioritizes World or International premieres, thereby offering a prominent platform for films making their initial public appearance.

Filmmakers are invited to submit their works online via the official BIFF website (www.biff.kr/eng/). The submission period remains open, with the following key deadlines approaching:

• Short Films (under 60 minutes): June 21, 2023, 18:00 KST

• Feature Films (60 minutes or longer): July 19, 2023, 18:00 KST

  
  

The submission process is provided free of charge, reflecting BIFF's dedication to accessibility for filmmakers globally. Films presented in languages other than Korean or English must include English subtitles.

Rules and Regulations here: https://www.biff.kr/pop/file/2023_Official_Submission_Rules_and_Regulations_eng.pdf

To submit to the festival please visit: https://www.biff.kr/eng/addon/10000001/page.asp?page_num=6946

With its dates confirmed and preparations advancing, the 28th Busan International Film Festival is set to deliver a significant cinematic event, showcasing contemporary filmmaking and further solidifying its role as a crucial hub for Asian and international cinema.