28th Busan International Film Festival Unveils Main Competition Selections and Esteemed Juries
- By Deryl Tan
- Aug 30, 2023
- 2 min read
The 28th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), set to run from October 4 to October 13, 2023, has announced the full slate of films selected for its prestigious competitive sections: New Currents and Kim Jiseok Award. These selections highlight emerging talents and celebrate established cinematic voices from across Asia, affirming BIFF's role as a vital platform for regional and international cinema. The festival has also revealed the distinguished juries tasked with evaluating these compelling works.
New Currents: Showcasing Emerging Asian Directors
The New Currents section, dedicated to the first or second feature films by promising Asian directors, features ten diverse titles vying for the top honors. These films represent a fresh wave of storytelling and cinematic vision:
"After a Fever" (Japan) by Akira Yamamoto
"Borrowed Time" (China) by Choi Ji
"Heritage" (South Korea) by Lee Jong-soo
"Now, Oasis" (Malaysia) by Chia Chee Sum
"September 1923" (Japan) by Tatsuya Mori
"Solids by the Seashore" (Thailand) by Patiparn Boontarig
"The Spark" (India) by Rajesh S. Jala
"The Stranger" (Bangladesh) by Biplob Sarkar
"That Summer's Lie" (South Korea) by Sohn Hyun-lok
"The Wrestler" (Bangladesh) by Iqbal Chowdhury
The winners of the New Currents Award will be selected by an esteemed jury:
JUNG Sung-il (Jury President): A highly regarded Korean film critic and director, known for his insightful analyses and directorial works.
Ava CAHEN: Artistic Director of La Semaine de la Critique at the Cannes Film Festival (France).
Edwin: An acclaimed Indonesian director.
Christina OH: A prominent producer from the United States, known for films such as Okja and Minari.
HAN Junhee: A respected Korean director, recognized for his work in both film and television.
Kim Jiseok Award: Honoring Established Asian Masters
The Kim Jiseok Award section, established to commemorate the late program director Kim Jiseok's dedication to Asian cinema, showcases films by more established Asian directors. Eight films will compete for this esteemed recognition:
"24 Hours with Gaspar" (Indonesia) by Yosep Anggi Noen
"At the End of This Film" (South Korea) by Ahn Seon-kyung
"Blesser" (South Korea) by Lee Sang-cheol
"Bride Abduction" (Kyrgyzstan) by Mirlan Abdikhalikov
"Doi Boy" (Thailand) by Nontawat Numbenchapol
"Ichiko" (Japan) by Akihiro Toda
"Moro" (Philippines) by Brillante Mendoza
"Paradise" (Sri Lanka/India) by Prasanna Vithanage
"Something Like an Autobiography" (Bangladesh) by Mostofa Sarwar Farooki
"The Moon" (Japan) by Yuya Ishii
The jury for the Kim Jiseok Award comprises:
Martine THÉROUANNE: Festival Director and co-founder of the Vesoul International Film Festival of Asian Cinema (France), and a board member of NETPAC (Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema).
NISHIKAWA Miwa: A celebrated Japanese director, known for films like Sway and Under the Open Sky.
LEE Kwangkuk: A notable Korean director.
The 28th Busan International Film Festival promises a compelling program, offering audiences a deep dive into the diverse and dynamic landscape of contemporary Asian cinema, guided by the discerning eyes of its distinguished juries.