The 31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) begins a 10-day run in Busan, South Korea, as organizers highlight the event’s first-ever upgrade to “A-list” status. Multiple outlets report the festival opens Tuesday and runs through Oct. 15, featuring a lineup meant to broaden its global profile. Organizers say BIFF has 247 official selections from 59 countries and includes 95 world premieres.
The “A-list” designation is tied to recognition by international film-industry bodies. Outlets state that BIFF is selected as one of 17 “A-list” festivals by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF), placing it alongside Cannes, Berlin and Venice. Yonhap and Korea Times also note additional academic film recognition: the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences includes BIFF among six festivals whose top prize winner for the Busan Award becomes eligible for submission to the Oscars in the Best International Feature Film category. Coverage also describes a seven-member jury led by Chinese director Zhang Yimou, which selects BIFF winners among a reduced slate, with the Busan Award decided from 14 films.
