The Winning Films and Filmmakers of the 28th Busan International Film Festival

The 28th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), which captivated audiences and industry professionals from October 4 to October 13, 2023, concluded with a triumphant awards ceremony, honoring the most compelling cinematic achievements from across Asia and beyond. The festival celebrated a diverse array of films and talents, recognizing both emerging voices and established masters.

The prestigious New Currents Award, recognizing exceptional first or second feature films by emerging Asian directors, was jointly presented to two outstanding works:

• "The Wrestler" (Bangladesh) directed by Iqbal Chowdhury

• "September 1923" (Japan) directed by Tatsuya Mori

  
  

The New Currents jury, led by Korean film critic and director Jung Sung-il, lauded "The Wrestler" for its "fantastic single-round match, magically depicting an exciting narrative," while commending "September 1923" for its "bravery to face the history that had been forgotten."

The Kim Jiseok Award, established to commemorate the late program director Kim Jiseok's profound dedication to Asian cinema, was also shared by two powerful films:

• "Paradise" (Sri Lanka/India) directed by Prasanna Vithanage

• "Bride Abduction" (Kyrgyzstan) directed by Mirlan Abdikhalikov

The jury praised "Paradise" for exposing "how a corrupt regime ruins this beautiful country by obstructing peace, depriving its citizens of humanity as they corner them into oppression," and highlighted "Bride Abduction" for its vivid depiction of "prevalent shocking customs in Kyrgyzstan with unforgettable characters and a straightforward narrative."

The Wide Angle section, a vital platform for short films and documentaries, also saw significant recognition:

BIFF Mecenat Award (Best Korean and Asian Documentary):

• "The Voices of the Silenced" (South Korea/Japan) by Park Soo-nam and Park Maeui

• "Republic" (Singapore/China) by Jin Jiang

Sonje Award (Best Korean and Asian Short Film):

• "MYDEAR" (South Korea) by Jeon Dohee and Kim Sohee

• "21 Weeks Later" (Iran) by Nasrin Mohammadpour

Other Notable Awards:

• Asian Filmmaker of the Year: Awarded to Hong Kong superstar Chow Yun-fat for his significant contributions to Asian cinema.

• Korean Film Achievement Award: Posthumously presented to the late actress Yoon Jeong-hee.

• Actors of the Year Award:

  • Male: Jang Sung-bum for "Work to Do" (South Korea)

  • Female: Oh Minae for "Concerning My Daughter" (South Korea)

• KB New Currents Audience Award: "Heritage" (South Korea) by Lee Jong-su

• Flash Forward Audience Award: "The Dreamer" (France) by Anais Tellenne

• NETPAC Award: "Solids by the Seashore" (Thailand) by Patiparn Boontarig

• FIPRESCI Award: "That Summer's Lie" (South Korea) by Sohn Hyun-lok

The 28th Busan International Film Festival successfully concluded, leaving a lasting impression with its curated selection of films and a celebration of the diverse and vibrant cinematic landscape of Asia and beyond.