The 31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) has announced its lineup for the Master Class, Cine Class, and Special Talk programs, featuring prominent filmmakers and industry figures.
Na Hong-Jin, whose film “Hope” gained international recognition this year, will discuss the origins of his creative approach as part of the Master Class series. He will be joined by Filipino auteur Lav Diaz, French director Bertrand Mandico, and Japanese animation veteran Rintaro, director of “Galaxy Express 999” (1979) and “Metropolis” (2001), who is returning to Korea after 17 years. The Master Class aims to provide insight into the creative processes of these four directors.
The Cine Class program will include Zhang Lu, winner of the Busan Award for Best Film at BIFF 2025 for “Gloaming in Luomu,” who will open the program with reflections on cinema and life. Documentary filmmaker Seifollah Samadian will discuss his three-decade friendship with the late Iranian director Abbas Kiarostami. Also participating are Judith Godrèche, who sparked conversation about abuse in the French film industry, producer Billy Acumen, whose credits include the “Roundup” franchise and “The King’s Warden” (2026), director Bi Gan, and actor Shim Eun-kyung.
The Special Talk series will feature producer Kim Tae-ho, alongside a screening of “Mother Mary” (2026), as well as Ann Hui, this year’s Camellia Award recipient, reflecting on her career. Film critic Jung Sung-il will lead a session examining Korean film history through the career of Ahn Sung-ki, following a screening of “Festival” (1996).
The 31st Busan International Film Festival will take place from Oct. 6-15 at the Busan Cinema Center and venues throughout Busan, with the 21st Asian Contents & Film Market running from Oct. 10-13.
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