Busan Film Festival Unveils 23 Films for Vision Section

The 31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) has revealed its selection of 23 Korean and Asian independent films for its Vision section. This program is divided into two subsections: 12 films under Vision-Korea and 11 under Vision-Asia.

Originally an expansion of the "Korean Cinema Today – Vision" program, the Vision section has grown into an independent showcase dedicated to filmmakers from across the Asian continent. This year's lineup highlights a blend of established directors who are continuing to refine their unique artistic voices, alongside emerging talents who are gaining international recognition. The festival will also present 10 Vision-Asia awards and nine Vision-Korea awards to honor achievements in various categories.

Several filmmakers returning to Busan for the Vision-Korea section have a prior history with the festival. Kim Miyoung, whose film "A Lonely Island in the Distant Sea" received the DGK Megabox Award at BIFF in 2023, will present "Some Detective." Park Songyeol, a previous recipient of the Critic b Award and the KBS Independent Film Award for "Hot in Day, Cold at Night," delves into themes of family and mortality in "Beyond Love’s Horizon." Sohn Hyun-lok, whose debut "That Summer’s Lie" won the Fipresci Prize at BIFF in 2023, will showcase "The Birds," which addresses a series of student accidents. Jang Woojin, previously recognized at BIFF and the Berlin Film Festival, explores love, loss, and chance in "Cosmic Trace." Park Hong-min, whose work has garnered attention from BIFF, the International Film Festival Rotterdam, and the Vancouver International Film Festival, continues his distinct cinematic universe with "Space."

The remainder of the Vision-Korea slate features new voices and directors transitioning to feature films. Kim Hyomi makes her animated feature debut with "Earbug," a story about an aspiring novelist confronting personal trauma. Park Kun-young, known for "To My River" and "A Distance Place," presents "Things I Left at the Theater." Shin Dongmin's "Not For You" follows two brothers reuniting ten years after their father's departure. Oh Sehyeon's "Baler," a follow-up to his 2022 film "Usu," centers on a woman's month-long stint working on a seasonal farm. Shin Sun returns with "Nothing Has Happened Yet," following his previous works "No Surprise" and "Maze." Jeong Jihye's "Full Moon" tells the story of a girl hiding her parents from public view, and Kim Si-jin makes his feature directorial debut with the animated film "The Flower," focusing on an aging crematorium director. Both "Not For You" and "Some Detective" were supported by this year's Asian Cinema Fund for films in post-production.

The Vision-Asia section brings together directors from 10 countries and regions. Vietnam's Nguyễn Hoàng Điệp presents "1982," a film about a filmmaker searching for a missing parent. Japan's Kumamoto Ryohei, who has a background in commercials and music videos, makes his feature debut with "After the Song." Hong Kong's Isabella Lam Lok-hin also debuts with "Dead End," which centers on a man confronting deeply buried family history. The Philippines' Arvin Belarmino presents "Ria," a story about a folk-punk musician striving to preserve his music and his home. Mongolia's Sakhya Byamba, who won the New Currents prize at Busan in 2013 for "Remote Control," returns with the satirical film "Zogsool."

The other films in the Vision-Asia selections include Iran's Mani Moghaddam, whose feature debut "Slumber" utilizes magical realism to comment on the country's oppressive realities. Thailand is represented by "Bua," the directorial debut of actor Inthira Charoenpura, co-directed by Phensiri Klangsurin. India features two films: Sailesh Rathnakumar's debut "Selvi," produced by and starring acclaimed actor Anjali Patil, and Shashank Walia's "Birds in the Dark." Walia is a filmmaker previously recognized for his writing and cinematography work with outlets including Netflix. Kazakhstan's Darkhan Tulegenov presents "The Cord," about a mother fighting to prove her son's innocence. Japan's Yaza Takenoshin, who gained attention at age 16 for a documentary on nuclear power, makes his feature debut with "Hinotama: Ball of Fire."

The 31st Busan International Film Festival is scheduled to take place from October 6th to 15th at the Busan Cinema Center and various venues across Busan. The 21st Asian Contents & Film Market will be held concurrently from October 10th to 13th.