Busan International Film Festival Announces Dates for 30th Annual Edition

The 30th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) has officially released its forthcoming schedule, signifying a crucial event in the global film calendar. This milestone edition is slated to convene from Wednesday, September 17, to Friday, September 26, 2025, and is expected to further reinforce its stature as a pivotal cinematic gathering in Asia.

Asia's Leading Film Showcase Prepares for its Thirtieth Edition

The central operations of the festival will once again be situated at the Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae District, an iconic architectural landmark that has consistently served as BIFF's dedicated venue since 2011. This state-of-the-art complex, alongside various other selected theaters throughout Busan, will host an extensive agenda of film screenings, professional symposia, and related assemblies, drawing filmmakers, industry professionals, and cinephiles from across the globe.

The Busan International Film Festival maintains a distinguished lineage, having been inaugurated on September 13, 1996, as the first international film festival in Korea. From its inception, BIFF has consistently dedicated itself to identifying and promoting new cinematic works and emerging directorial talents, with a particular emphasis on fostering Asian filmmaking. Over its three decades, BIFF has played a crucial role in advancing Korean and Asian cinema internationally, earning accolades such as the UNESCO Fellini Award in 2007 and its designation as Asia's first UNESCO City of Film in 2014. The festival's commitment to talent development is further exemplified through initiatives like the Asian Project Market (APM), which facilitates vital connections between promising film ventures and potential co-producers and financiers.

The Ascendance of Korean Cinema and Television

In recent years, Korean cinema and television have experienced an unprecedented surge in global popularity, transcending linguistic and cultural barriers to captivate audiences worldwide. This phenomenon, often referred to as "Hallyu" or the "Korean Wave," has seen Korean productions achieve critical acclaim and commercial success on an international scale. Films like Bong Joon-ho's Parasite (2019), which made history by winning the Palme d'Or at Cannes and four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, brought a new level of recognition. Similarly, television series such as Squid Game (2021) became a global sensation on streaming platforms, demonstrating the universal appeal of Korean storytelling. This widespread embrace is attributed to compelling narratives, high production values, unique genre interpretations (particularly in thrillers and zombie dramas like Train to Busan), and strategic investments by global streaming services. BIFF has been a crucial early platform for many of these works and talents, contributing significantly to this global appreciation.

A Legacy of Notable Filmmakers and Award-Winning Cinema

Throughout its history, BIFF has been a launchpad for numerous significant films and has honored many prominent figures in Asian and world cinema. The festival's competitive sections, such as the New Currents Award for emerging Asian directors and the Kim Jiseok Award for established Asian filmmakers, have consistently highlighted groundbreaking works. Past recipients of the Asian Filmmaker of the Year Award include celebrated figures such as Mohsen Makhmalbaf (Iran, 2003), Hou Hsiao-hsien (Taiwan, 2004), Andy Lau (Hong Kong, 2006), Tsai Ming-liang (Taiwan, 2010), Hirokazu Kore-eda (Japan, 2019), and Chow Yun-fat (Hong Kong, 2023). These accolades underscore BIFF's role in recognizing and promoting cinematic excellence across the continent. The festival has consistently showcased a diverse array of films, from powerful documentaries to innovative narratives, many of which have gone on to achieve international recognition and acclaim.

Film Submissions Now Open

The 30th BIFF is currently accepting entries for its official selections. This invitation extends to fiction films, documentaries, and animated features completed no earlier than October 2024 and to be completed by August 2025. The festival places a strong emphasis on World or International premieres, thereby providing a significant platform for films making their inaugural public presentation.

Filmmakers are encouraged to submit their projects digitally through the official BIFF website. The submission window is currently active, with critical deadlines approaching:

• Short Films (under 60 minutes): June 4, 2025, 18:00 KST

• Feature Films (60 minutes or longer): July 2, 2025, 18:00 KST

  
  

The submission process is offered without charge, underscoring BIFF's commitment to broad accessibility for filmmakers worldwide. Films presented in languages other than Korean or English are required to include English subtitles.

For comprehensive details on eligibility and the submission process, please refer to the official Rules and Regulations. To submit your film, please visit the official submission page.