Busan International Film Festival: A melting pot of global storytelling
A diverse selection of international IPs
The Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) has always been a beacon for cinematic innovation and cultural exchange. This year, the festival’s Busan Story Market has expanded its horizons by incorporating 18 new books, manga, and webtoons from outside Korea. These additions join the previously announced 29 Korean IPs and 30 Asian film projects selected for the Asian Project Market.
Taiwan and Japan: A blend of genres
From Taiwan, ten selections span the drama and romance genres, enriched with elements of fantasy, thriller, and science fiction. Japan contributes six pieces, including five books and one comic, covering a range of themes from sci-fi and murder mystery to time travel and stage magic. Notably, France also makes a mark with two selections—one in comedy and the other in historical romance—diverging from its traditional focus on films for remakes.
Korean IPs: A shift in focus
This year’s Korean IP section for the Busan Story Market includes 11 books, eight webtoons, six web novels, and four stories. These were meticulously chosen from 237 submissions by 110 companies. The selection process reflects a shift from previous years, with a greater emphasis on books and web novels. These IPs feature unique characters and original storytelling, spanning a wide spectrum of genres, from human dramas that delve into universal emotions to mystery period pieces, romance dramas, film noir, horror, and psychological thrillers.
Asian Project Market: A record-breaking year
The long-running Asian Project Market (APM), formerly known as the Pusan Project Plan, received a record 441 submissions this year. Selectors narrowed these down to 30 projects from 17 countries or territories. This year’s lineup features an expanded variety of genres, including crime thrillers, horror, queer cinema, and animated films, alongside the more traditional selections of drama, comedy, and romance.
Noteworthy projects
Highlights include “Nothing Happened,” the debut fiction feature of Chan Tze-woon, whose 2022 documentary-fiction hybrid “Blue Island” was a multi-festival prize-winner. Another standout is “The Camford Experiment,” a coming-of-age piece with a Korean American protagonist, directed by Malaysian filmmaker Woo Ming Jin.
Kirsten Tan, the New York-based Singaporean director who won the screenwriting award at Sundance in 2017 with “Pop Aye,” attends the market with “Crocodile Rock.” The project is produced by Singapore’s Tan Si En, who has a second project selected for the APM, “Levitating,” by Wregas Bhanuteja, whose previous film “Photocopier” screened at the New Currents section in 2021.
Other familiar faces in Busan include Iqbal H. Chowdhury, whose project “Dhakar Nagin” follows his New Currents Award win last year. Also returning is Sotoyama Bunji with “Life Redo List,” after ”Soirée” screened at the festival in 2020.
Korean projects in the spotlight
The APM selection includes seven projects from Korea: “A Way to Étretat” by Shin Suwon, ”Door-Frame” by Jeong Beom, “The Birds” by Sohn Hyun-lok, “Hellfire Club” by Shin Aga, “Ulaanbaatar” by Kang Donghun, “Strange Marriage” by Jung Wonhee, and “Do Bye, Nursing Hospital” by Oh Seyeon.
The festival experience
Both the Story Market and the APM are integral components of Busan’s Asian Contents & Film Market (ACFM). The ACFM will take place from October 5-8 at the Busan Exhibition and Convention Center (BEXCO). The 29th Busan International Film Festival will run from October 2-11, offering ten days of cinematic celebration at the Busan Cinema Center and its surrounding areas.
Personal reflections
For cinema and TV series enthusiasts, the Busan International Film Festival is more than just a showcase of films; it’s a celebration of storytelling in its myriad forms. The inclusion of diverse IPs from around the world enriches the festival, offering a unique opportunity to explore different cultures and narratives. Whether you’re a fan of drama, romance, sci-fi, or horror, there’s something for everyone at BIFF.
For those interested in exploring the trailers and information pages of the mentioned movies and series, here are some direct links:
The festival’s commitment to showcasing a wide array of genres and stories ensures that it remains a vital platform for filmmakers and audiences alike. Whether you’re attending in person or following the festival from afar, the Busan International Film Festival promises to be an unforgettable experience.