2026 BIFF Kicks off in Busan: Here's What to Know

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The 2026 Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) will showcase at least 247 films from 59 countries over ten days, starting Tuesday, the opening day of the festival.

South Korean news agency Yonhap reports that, according to organizers, 95 films will premiere at the 31st BIFF, which will run through October 15, 2026.

The International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF) has designated the Busan, South Korea-based film festival as one of 17 A-list film festivals, alongside prestigious festivals in Cannes, Berlin, and Venice.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has also added BIFF to its list of six film festivals whose top winners are eligible for submissions for the Oscars for Best International Feature Film.

A seven-member jury, led by renowned Chinese director Zhang Yimou, will select the Busan Award winner from the 14 films shortlisted for the Competition category.

The nominated films come from South Korea, Japan, China, Indonesia, Iran, Taiwan, and Uzbekistan.

Korean filmmakers and actors will attend various events throughout the festival, including director Lee Chang-dong and the cast of “Possible Love,” as well as actresses Kim Go-eun, Kim Min-ha, and Shin Min-a.

BIFF will present this year’s Best Asian Film Director award to Michelle Yeoh, the first Asian to win the Oscar for Best Actress.

The Camellia Award will be presented to Hong Kong director Ann Hui for her lifetime contribution to women’s empowerment in the film industry.

Michelle Yeoh and Ann Hui are scheduled to come to Busan to attend the festival and receive their awards.

Other international filmmakers and actors visiting Busan for the festival include Maggie Gyllenhaal, Isabelle Huppert, Zhou Xun, and Fan Bingbing.

Read: ‘Laut Bercerita’ to Compete in BIFF 2026 Main Competition

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