[Busan=Edaily Starin Choi Hee-jae Reporter] The Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), now in its 31st year and embarking on a new chapter, kicked off its 10-day run with film professionals from around the world in attendance.

The opening ceremony of the 31st Busan International Film Festival was held on the afternoon of the 6th at the Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae-gu, Busan. The ceremony was hosted solely by actress Kim Min-ha, and actors representing the Korean film industry, along with key figures from the Asian and global film communities, walked the red carpet to meet the audience.

Kim Min-ha, who served as the sole host for the event, delivered a smooth performance, switching seamlessly between Korean and English. During the opening ceremony, Kim Min-ha remarked, “Actually, I already owed the festival a debt last year,” referring to the fact that the film *Hana Korea* won the Audience Award at last year’s festival.

She continued, “That award wasn’t given by a jury; it was awarded through a direct vote by the Busan audience,” adding, “Last year, Busan celebrated its 30th anniversary and finally stood on solid ground; this year, we are not resting on our laurels but taking a step forward toward the world.”

This year, the Busan International Film Festival has officially been listed as an A-list festival by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF), placing it on par with major international film festivals such as Cannes, Berlin, and Venice. The winner of the “Busan Award—Grand Prize,” the top prize in the competition section, is also eligible for submission to the Academy Awards’ Best International Feature Film category.

◇Global Stars and Directors Gather in One Place

Reflecting this growth, a large number of figures from the domestic and international film industries appeared on the red carpet that day.

Actors representing Korean cinema included Kim Hye-ja, Kim Min-ha, Shim Eun-kyung, Hyun Bin, Jung Woo-sung, Woo Do-hwan, Hwang Jung-min, Jo In-sung, Seol Kyung-gu, Jeon Do-yeon, Jo Yeo-jeong, Son Seok-gu, Lee Hee-joon, Jung Sung-il, Yoo Jae-myung, Ryu Seung-ryong, Park Hae-joon, Park Ji-hyun, and Jo Yi-hyun. Among the directors in attendance were Lee Chang-dong, winner of the Silver Lion at the Venice International Film Festival, and Na Hong-jin, director of *Hope*.

In particular, actor Hwang Jung-min drew attention by making his first public appearance in about two months following a legal battle over allegations related to his private life.

Filmmakers from Asia and around the world also attended. World-renowned actress Yang Zi-jing, an Academy Award winner for Best Actress, along with Fan Bingbing, Shu Hua of the group A-Deul, Ryusei Yokohama, Shunsuke Michieda, and Sho Kasamatsu, walked the red carpet. Director Hirokazu Kore-eda of “Look Back” and producer Kim Tae-ho were also in attendance.

◇Yang Zi-jing, Kim Dong-ho, and He An-hua: The Stars Who Lit Up BIFF
The opening ceremony also featured an awards ceremony honoring key figures in the film industry who attended this year’s BIFF.

The “Asian Filmmaker of the Year Award” went to Yang Zi-jing. This award is presented to an Asian filmmaker who has made the most outstanding contributions to the development of the Asian film industry and culture over the past year. Yang Zi-jing, a world-renowned actress and the first Asian actress to win the Academy Award for Best Actress, returned to Busan for the first time in 15 years.

Yang Ziqing shared her thoughts, saying, “It is deeply meaningful to receive this glorious award that commemorates a life dedicated to the Asian film industry,” adding, “It holds profound significance that our stories are conveyed across cultures and borders.”

She continued, “I would like to offer my congratulations on the achievements of the Busan International Film Festival,” adding, “This festival, which began as a celebration of Asian cinema, has now grown into a global event that enables Asian films to make a powerful voice on the world stage and serves as a beautiful bridge connecting East and West.”

The “Lifetime Achievement Award in Korean Cinema” was also presented. Kim Dong-ho, former chairman of the Busan International Film Festival, received the honor in recognition of his contributions to the development and promotion of Korean cinema.

Former Chairman Kim said, “It is a tremendous honor to receive such a prestigious award from the Busan International Film Festival,” and expressed his gratitude to Park Kwang-soo, Chairman of the Busan International Film Festival, Executive Committee Chairman Jeong Han-seok, and the staff.

He continued, “I sincerely thank the citizens of Busan and filmmakers from Korea and abroad who have actively attended, loved, and supported the Busan International Film Festival over the past 31 years,” adding, “This year, too, I have traveled overseas more than ten times, dedicating my efforts to introducing Korean cinema both directly and indirectly. I will continue these activities in the future.”

The “Camellia Award,” presented to filmmakers who have elevated the status of women in the film industry, was awarded to Director Heo An-hwa. Jointly established by the Busan International Film Festival and Chanel in 2024, the Camellia Award is presented to filmmakers who have challenged traditional mindsets and norms in the film industry and contributed to elevating the status of women.

Director Heo An-hwa remarked, “In the past, I hesitated to accept awards because I wanted to make more films,” adding, “As I approach 80, filmmaking feels more difficult. That is why this award has come at just the right time—now that I can truly appreciate its value.”

She continued, “Ever since I first came here in 1996, every time I’ve returned, I’ve either received an award or participated in a beautiful gala event,” and added, “It is an honor to present this film to the world’s most discerning and cinematically knowledgeable audience. Thank you, Busan.”

The 31st Busan International Film Festival will run through the 15th at venues across Busan, including the Busan Cinema Center, CGV Centum City, Lotte Cinema Centum City, the Korean Film Council’s Standard Screening Room, the Sohyang Theater Woori Bank Hall, and the Busan Viewers’ Media Center Public Hall.