Introduction to the 30th Busan International Film Festival
The 30th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) has come to a close, with several notable films and filmmakers taking home prestigious awards. This year’s festival was particularly significant, as it marked the first time a competition section was included since its introduction in 1996. The closing ceremony, held at the Busan Cinema Center, saw the announcement of the winners, with Zhang Lu’s Chinese drama "Gloaming in Luomu" winning the first Busan Award for Best Film.
Winners of the 30th Busan International Film Festival
The winners of the festival were announced at the closing ceremony, with "Gloaming in Luomu" taking home the top prize. The film, which focuses on a woman’s journey to a small town in southwestern China to uncover the truth about her missing friend, was praised for its thought-provoking storyline and outstanding cinematography. Taiwanese star Shu Qi was awarded the Best Director prize for her film "Girl", a drama set in the 1980s about a young girl’s dreams of escaping an abusive environment.
Notable Winners
Other notable winners included Han Chang-Lok, who won the Special Jury Award for his film "Funky Freaky Freaks", and Yoo Jae-in, who took home the New Currents Award for "On the Way To". The Best Actor award was shared by Kitamura Takumi, Ayano Go, and Hayashi Yuta for their roles in the Japanese underworld thriller "Baka’s Identity". The Artistic Contribution Award went to Liu Qiang and Tu Nan, the production designers for BI Gan’s "Resurrection", which premiered at Cannes and also stars Shu Qi.
BIFF Awards and Other Recognitions
The BIFF Awards, which recognize outstanding achievements in Korean cinema, were also announced during the festival. The New Currents Award was given to Yoo Jae-in for "On the Way To", while the BIFF Mecenat Award was awarded to "Dust Rain" by Ju Romi and Kim Taeil, and "Singing Wings" by Hemen Khaledi. The Sonje Award, which recognizes emerging filmmakers, was given to "Delay" by Wang Han-Xuan and "It Sounds Louder on Rainy Days" by Kim Sang-Yun.
Festival Figures and Attendance
The 30th Busan International Film Festival saw a significant increase in attendance, with overall admissions reaching 175,889, an increase of around 20,000 from 2024. The festival also featured 328 films, with 63,000 participants taking part in Busan events throughout the 10-day festival. The Asian Contents & Film Market, which ran concurrently with the festival, saw a 13.5% increase in visitors, with 30,006 attendees and 289 companies from 31 countries participating.
Conclusion
The 30th Busan International Film Festival was a resounding success, with a diverse range of films and filmmakers being recognized for their outstanding achievements. The festival’s commitment to showcasing emerging talent and promoting Asian cinema was evident throughout the event, and it will be exciting to see what the future holds for these talented individuals. With its rich history and dedication to the art of filmmaking, the Busan International Film Festival is sure to continue to be a major player in the world of cinema for years to come.
