Busan opens 31st edition of its festival with 247 films from 59 countries

The Busan International Film Festival opens its 31st edition today, running from October 6 to 15 at the Busan Cinema Center and other selected venues across the city. The official selection comprises 247 films from 59 countries, with 105 world and international premieres; another 69 films are scheduled in the Community BIFF section, aimed at a broader audience than the competitive selection.

The opening ceremony, set for October 6, will follow a precise schedule: audience entry from 5pm, red carpet from 6pm, main ceremony from 7pm. This structure reflects the scale of the event, recognized as an A-category festival by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations, the same recognition shared by showcases such as Cannes or Venice.

The 2026 program includes a tribute to two historic figures of Korean cinema, Ahn Sung-ki and Yeon Sang-ho, and a section dedicated to contemporary star power, ‘Actor’s House’, featuring performers such as Lee Min-ho and Ju Ji-hoon. Alongside the festival, from October 10 to 13, the 21st edition of the Asian Contents & Film Market will take place, the commercial event that has accompanied the film showcase for years and has in recent years expanded its scope beyond the mere trading of film rights.

The number of countries represented — 59 — and the volume of world premieres — 105 out of 247 total titles — place Busan among the Asian festivals with the greatest international reach of the autumn season. Over the next ten days the city will become a hub for productions and distributors from across the continent, before closing on October 15.

The news currently comes from a single source, the organization of the Busan International Film Festival; no independent confirmation is currently available for the program details reported.