30 Years of Journey, A Celebration of Cinema – BIFF 2025 Shines in Busan

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Lights, Camera, Busan! BIFF 2025 Wraps Up Its Starry 30th Edition

Busan, South Korea, September 26, 2025 – Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), one of Asia’s most prestigious film showcases, concluded its landmark 30th edition this week, with dazzling premieres, a hearty tribute and a strong spotlight on Asian cinema. In the last ten days, the city of Busan turned into a vibrant hub for filmmakers, actors and cinephiles from all over the world.

A historical version

Marking the three decades of the cinematic festival, Bif 2025 was not just another film festival – it was remembered how far Asian cinema has come on the global stage. The festival consisted of 269 films from 71 countries, including World Premieres, International Debut and Restored Classics.

The festival director Huh Moon-Yang described this version as “a significant twist in the festival journey”. He emphasized that Biff has always been more than a film festival; It has been a cultural bridge connecting East and West.

Grand opening and closing

The festival, directed by Park G-Won, featured the much-awaited Korean drama of Pawan, in which a permanent ovation was received. The closing ceremony featured the Japanese film Ecos of Silence by the filmmaker Naomi Cavez, which depicts emotional reactions from both critics and audiences.

In the closing Gala, the audience was treated live performance, a tribute video for 30 -year -30-year-old BIFF, and the heartiest speeches of actors and directors, who credited the festival for giving Asian cinema global recognition.

Spotlight on Asian Cinema

True to its mission, BIFF 2025 placed a strong emphasis on promoting Asian voices. The “New Currents” section, dedicated to first- and second-time Asian filmmakers, featured 11 bold entries that pushed the boundaries of storytelling.

The coveted New Currents Award went to Silent Rivers by Indian director Ananya Verma and Morning Dew by Filipino filmmaker Carlo Mendoza. Both films were praised for their fresh narrative styles and sensitive portrayals of social realities.

 

Tributes and Retrospectives

A special retrospective honored Hong Kong legend Tony Leung, celebrating his 40 years in cinema. Audiences revisited classics like In the Mood for Love and Chungking Express, alongside panel discussions on his lasting influence.

The festival also spotlighted late Iranian filmmaker Abbas Kiarostami with a series of restored prints, reminding cinephiles of his poetic storytelling that continues to inspire filmmakers worldwide.

 

Global Star Power

Hollywood and Bollywood stars added glamor to BIFF 2025. Kate Blanchet, Timothy Chalmet, and Priyanka Chopra stepped on the red carpet, while Korean superstars Song Kong-Ho and Bay Donna were also crowded in the crowd.

International Cooperation Panels gave South Korea, India, France and the U.S. The directors were brought together, which exposed the increasing hunger for the cross-border story.

 

Industry Hub: Asian content and film market

With screening, the Asian content and the film market (ACFM) saw a record partnership, with more than 1,500 companies and 3,200 buyers from 55 countries. Streaming giants such as Netflix, Amazon Prime and Disney+ announced a collaboration with Korean and Southeast Asian creators.

A major announcement was made by Netflix, in which Korean content invested $ 500 million for the next three years, confirming the global demand for K-Drama.

 

BIFF 2025 Awards

  • New Currents Award: Silent Rivers (India), Morning Dew (Philippines)
  • Kim Jiseok Award: Dancing Shadows (Iran)
  • Actor of the Year: Lee Min-ki (The Forgotten Path)
  • Asian Filmmaker of the Year: Tony Leung
  • Documentary Award: Beyond the Sea (Japan)

These winners reflect BIFF’s commitment to diversity and artistic excellence.

 

Audience Response

Busan’s Haeundae District and Cinema Center buzzed with energy throughout the festival. Nearly 180,000 attendees participated, filling screenings to capacity and engaging in lively Q&A sessions with directors and actors.

Film enthusiast Park Min-hee, a local attendee, shared: “It feels surreal to see world cinema and our own Korean films celebrated equally. BIFF has truly become a global stage.”

Looking Ahead

As the curtains fell, organizers reflected on BIFF’s legacy and future. Festival Chairman Lee Yong-kwan stated, “Thirty years ago, we dreamed of making Busan a center of world cinema. Today, that dream has come true. But our journey continues—we will keep nurturing Asian voices and connecting them with the world.”

With its 30th edition, the Busan International Film Festival has reinforced its status as a cultural beacon, celebrating diversity, creativity, and the enduring power of storytelling. As the world looks forward to BIFF 2026, the 2025 edition will be remembered as a milestone in global cinema history.

 

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