What is the Busan International Film Festival?
The Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) is the largest film festival in Asia and is one of the international film festivals extending beyond Korea to Asia and the world. It is a celebration that gathers many filmmakers and movie lovers from around the world. Held annually in October, the festival takes place primarily at the Busan Cinema Center(영화의전당) and lasts for about 10 days. Each year, it showcases a variety of genres and films from diverse regions worldwide, leading the trends in the global film industry. In addition to the Busan Cinema Center, films are also screened at various theaters across Haeundae-gu, Busan(해운대, 부산) , including CGV and Lotte Cinema.
Recap of Last Year’s Busan International Film Festival(BIFF)
At the 28th Busan International Film Festival(BIFF) last year, a total of 269 films from 69 countries were showcased, with over 140,000 attendees. The opening film was a Korean movie, breaking the usual trend of foreign films. The film ‘Because I Hate Korea’(한국이 싫어서) by director Jang Kun-jae(장건재), starring Ko Ah-sung(고아성), tells the story of the protagonist Gye-na(계나) who leaves for New Zealand alone in search of happiness. The film, which drew much anticipation as a remake of the original novel of the same name, received reviews that it made viewers ponder where happiness in life truly lies.
The most talked-about film at last year’s film festival was ‘Dear Jinri’(진리에게). This film garnered significant attention as it was the posthumous work of the late Sulli(설리), being unveiled for the first time. The uncertainty around its screening further heightened interest. ‘Dear Jinri,’ which includes Sulli’s last interview, is a documentary-style film where Choi Jin-ri(최진리), both an actress and artist, shares her thoughts and struggles at the age of twenty-five through an interview format.
The closing ceremony featured awards for the notable directors and actors of that year’s festival. Last year, the Best Actor awards went to Jang Seong-beom(장성범) for his role in ‘Work to Do’(해야 할 일) and actress Oh Min-ae(오민애) for her performance in ‘Concerning My Daughter’(딸에 대하여) Despite budget cuts leading to fewer films and screening venues, audience occupancy rates were higher compared to 2022. This indicates that this year’s festival is expected to be an even richer event.
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How To participate in the 2024 Busan International Film Festival
The 29th Busan International Film Festival will be held for 10 days from Wednesday, October 2nd to Friday, October 11th. As it includes two public holidays, National Foundation Day of Korea(개천절) and Hangeul Day(한글날), it is expected that more people will visit the festival compared to last year. So, what should you prepare to participate in Busan International Film Festival?
Since ticket reservations for the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as general screenings, are conducted separately, it is important to check the dates carefully. For general screenings, tickets can be purchased on-site and there are also free screenings, but these are fewer in number compared to the total number of films being screened. Additionally, popular films tend to sell out as soon as reservations open, so it is advisable to book in advance. Reservations typically start about two weeks before the festival begins. Before that, it is helpful to visit the Busan International Film Festival website(www.biff.kr) to check this year’s lineup and schedule, and to identify the films you want to watch along with their reservation codes. There is also a separate reservation page for foreigners on the website, so there should be no difficulty in booking tickets as a foreigner. Last year, tickets for the opening and closing ceremonies were priced at 30,000 won, while general screenings were sold at 9,000 won.
Other Activities to Enjoy in Busan During the Film Festival
1. Busan, the City by the Sea
If you have come to Busan for the Busan International Film Festival, it’s a great opportunity to also enjoy the city itself. As a city by the sea, Busan offers beautiful coastal attractions close to the festival venues in Centum City(센텀시티) and Haeundae(해운대). The beach is very nearby and it’s perfect for a pleasant autumn stroll. Besides the popular Haeundae Beach, you can also enjoy the night view at Gwangalli Beach(광안리), which features the iconic Gwangandaegyo Bridge(광안대교). If the weather is nice, watching a movie at the outdoor theater in the Busan Cinema Center or attending a Guest Visit (GV) event by the beach can be unforgettable experiences.
2. The World’s Largest Department Store, Shinsegae, Centum City(신세계 센텀시티점)
Near the Busan Cinema Center, where the film festival takes place, you’ll find the world’s largest department store, Shinsegae(신세계). It offers a wide variety of brands, numerous restaurants and cafes. You can also riding ice skate, and even go to the sauna(사우나). You can take care of shopping, dining, and relaxation all in one place. You can also enjoy a diverse range of desserts from around the world and explore various popular Korean street brands that are especially favored by the younger generation. Make sure to visit and experience it all.
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Korean film festival in London
Do you know you can also enjoy Korean Film Festival in London? The London Korean Film Festival (LKFF) is the UK’s leading showcase of Korean cinema, and with over 60 titles on offer annually, national press coverage, and an ever-increasing audience, it’s one of the largest festivals dedicated to a national cinema in the world. For over 10 years now, the festival has introduced premiere screenings of major blockbusters to UK cinema screens while also incorporating the most engaging Indie hits, Documentaries, Animation, Shorts, Classics, and more within its diverse program.
This year, it will be held in November at the BFI in Southbank. There will also be Guest Visits (GV) where you can meet directors or actors, so if you love Korean movies, you can look forward to this November. Sometimes, Korean hit movies are also screened in Odeon or Vue in London. You can find out about these news through Facebook or Instagram, so check them out and enjoy the movies you want to see. Since they are screened in London, there are English subtitles, so you can watch them comfortably.
If you ever want to visit Korea to enjoy the film festivals more deeply or experience more Korean culture with others who love the Korean language, how about learning Korean and its culture? At Dear Asia, you can learn Korean and its culture through Korean cultural events. Check out their upcoming Korean events at Dear Asia London!
