2026 BIFF Preview: Key Events Not to Miss at the Busan International Film Festival

The 31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), a premier film festival representing South Korea and recognized as a top-tier A-list event globally, will take place from October 6 to 15, transforming Busan into a hub of cinematic excitement. This year, the festival will showcase 247 invited films from 59 countries, along with a variety of engaging events that allow audiences to interact directly with actors and directors. Here’s a tailored guide highlighting key events, related films, and participating stars that attendees should not miss.

The festival will kick off with an opening ceremony on October 6 at the outdoor theater of the Busan Cinema Center. This year’s opening film, "Day and Night Are for Each Other," directed by Kim Jong-kwan, will have its world premiere.

Top domestic and international stars will gather for the red carpet and ceremony. Leading the lineup is actress Kim Hye-ja, returning to the screen after nine years with her film "Still Brilliant." Other attendees include Jeon Do-yeon, Seol Kyung-gu, Jo In-sung, Yoo Hae-jin, Hyun Bin, and Jung Woo-sung. The international guest list is equally impressive, featuring actress Liang Zichong (Michelle Yeoh), who will visit Busan for the first time in 15 years, along with Maggie Gyllenhaal, who will present her directorial work "The Lost Daughter," and director He Pinghua, recipient of the Camellia Award, as well as French cinema icon Isabelle Huppert and actress Fan Bingbing.

The festival will feature popular talk programs where audiences can hear firsthand accounts of actors' journeys and behind-the-scenes stories. The highly anticipated "Actors House" will showcase six prominent actors, including Kim Go-eun, Kim Min-ha, Ryu Seung-ryong, Shin Min-a, Lee Min-ho, and Ju Ji-hoon, who will share their experiences and philosophies regarding their craft.

In the "Carte Blanche" segment, director Kim Ji-woon will join actress Fan Bingbing and cinematographer Hong Kyung-pyo for a special screening and audience Q&A session.

The festival will also host lectures and discussions exploring the creative secrets of filmmakers and producers. The "Master Class" series will feature acclaimed director Na Hong-jin, who will share his directing philosophy, alongside lectures from Filipino director Lav Diaz and French director Bertrand Mandico. Legendary animator Rintaro, known for classics like "Galaxy Express 999" and "Metropolis," will return to Busan for a special lecture after 17 years.

In the "Cine Class," audiences will meet director Jang Ryul, whose film "Twilight of the Ruins" won the 2025 Busan Award, Iranian documentary master Seyfollah Samadian, and French actress Judith Godrèche. Notably, producer Jang Won-seok, who has achieved box office success with the "Crime City" series and "The King and the Clown," will share insights into his success, while director Bikan and actress Shim Eun-kyung will lead a discussion on acting and filmmaking.

In a special talk, producer Kim Tae-ho, who has recently expanded into film distribution, will engage in a discussion following the screening of the film "Mother Mary." Additionally, critic Jung Sung-il will host a meaningful session reflecting on the history of Korean cinema after the screening of the film "Festival."

The festival will also feature participatory events that extend its reach into everyday spaces. The "Community BIFF," taking place in the Nampo-dong area from October 8 to 11, will showcase 69 films selected by audiences, creating a festival led by the viewers. The "Neighborhood BIFF," which spans 17 regions including Busan, Yangsan, and Seoul, will host film screenings and various events in community-friendly venues.

Additionally, the 21st Asia Content & Film Market (ACFM), running from October 10 to 13 at BEXCO, will feature 64 programs addressing the latest trends in the video industry, including cinematic AI and new media, presenting the future of the film market to industry professionals and audiences alike.