Busan, South Korea – September 3, 2024
The Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) Organizing Committee held a press conference at the Busan Creation Economic Innovation Center and the Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Seoul on September 3, unveiling the opening and closing films for the 29th Busan International Film Festival, among other details.
The prestigious film festival, which has become a cornerstone event in the Asian film industry, is set to take place from October 2 to 11, 2024. This year’s festival promises to be a showcase of cinematic diversity, with a total of 224 films officially invited to screen, marking an 8% increase from the previous year. Additionally, 55 films will be featured in the community BIFF segment.
Opening Film: War, Chaos
The opening film for this year’s festival is War, Chaos, a new Netflix production supervised and penned by acclaimed director Park Chan-wook. The film stars notable actors Kang Dong-won, Park Jung-min, and Cha Seung-won. This marks the first time BIFF has chosen a streaming platform’s film to kick off its event, highlighting the festival’s adaptability to the evolving media landscape.
War, Chaos promises to be a gripping narrative, with its stellar cast and the creative genius of Park Chan-wook at the helm. The selection of a Netflix film as the opening act signals BIFF’s commitment to embracing new platforms and technologies in the film industry.
Closing Film: Life After Death
The closing film, Life After Death, is directed by Singaporean filmmaker Anthony Chen. The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including French icon Catherine Deneuve and Japanese actor Takeuchi Ryo. The choice of Life After Death as the closing film is a testament to BIFF’s dedication to showcasing international talent and diverse storytelling.
Honors and Special Events
The festival will also honor renowned Japanese filmmaker Kurosawa Kiyoshi with the annual Asian Filmmaker Award. This recognition is a fitting tribute to Kurosawa’s significant contributions to the world of cinema.
In a touching tribute, the festival will also remember the late actor Lee Seon-kyun with a special program titled A Wonderful Person, Lee Seon-kyun. This initiative aims to celebrate the actor’s life and achievements in the film industry.
Film Selections and Categories
The Asian Cinema Today section will feature notable films from across the continent, including the Chinese film Positive from Negative and the highly acclaimed Thai film My Grandmother’s Grandson. These films represent the rich diversity of storytelling and cinematic styles in Asia.
Despite a reduction in government subsidies, the festival’s president, Park Kwang-soo, stated that efforts to secure funding through other means have allowed BIFF to maintain its status as the largest film festival in Asia.
Conclusion
The 29th Busan International Film Festival continues to be a beacon for film enthusiasts and industry professionals alike. With a compelling lineup of films, prestigious awards, and special tributes, the festival is poised to offer an unforgettable experience for all attendees. As BIFF opens its doors to both established and emerging talents, it reinforces its role as a vital platform for the promotion and celebration of Asian cinema.
About the Author:
This article was written by a seasoned journalist with extensive experience at top-tier news organizations such as Xinhua News Agency, People’s Daily, CCTV, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and others. The writer brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in reporting on international events and cultural festivals.
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