The 31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) has officially drawn its curtains after a thrilling ten-day celebration of global cinema. Closing on October 15 with a star-studded awards ceremony at the Busan Cinema Center, this year’s festival wasn’t just another annual milestone—it marked a massive resurgence for Asia’s premier film event.
For the first time in ten years, BIFF surpassed 200,000 ticketed audience members, signaling a triumphant leap into its new era as an officially accredited FIAPF “A-List” Competitive Feature Film Festival.
🎟️ A Record-Breaking Turnout and Festive Energy
The atmosphere around the Busan Cinema Center was electric up until the final hours. Moviegoers lined up early near the photo walls and red carpet, taking photos in front of posters and sharing their favorite memories from the week.
“I watched a French film called ‘Just a Phantasm’ at the outdoor theater last night, and the cool autumn breeze made it so memorable,” shared Shin Ah-ri (31), a local festivalgoer. “Feeling the collective energy and reactions of the crowd in an open-air venue is something you can only truly experience at BIFF.”
According to the BIFF Executive Committee, total participation—including various side events—reached 277,000 attendees, a huge bump of 40,000 compared to last year’s 30th anniversary edition. Seat occupancy hit an impressive 85.4%.
What drove this boom?
- The Tuesday Opening Strategy: Departing from its traditional Wednesday launch, starting on a Tuesday gave visitors two full weekends to explore the festival grounds.
- Expanded Screenings: Increasing first-week screening slots to five sessions per day paid off immensely, with most screenings selling out almost instantly.
Based on this success, BIFF Executive Director Jung Han-seok confirmed that the 32nd BIFF will also retain the Tuesday-opening schedule next year.
🏆 Majid Majidi’s ‘Bread and Book’ Claims Top Honors at the Busan Awards
The centerpiece of the closing night was the inaugural Busan Award, presided over by legendary Chinese auteur Zhang Yimou as jury head.
Iranian master director Majid Majidi took home the grand Busan Award (Best Film) for his moving feature Bread and Book (Naan va Ketaab). With this prestigious victory, the film automatically earns eligibility for submission to the Best International Feature Film category at the Academy Awards (Oscars).
During his emotional acceptance speech, Majidi dedicated the honor to his late mother and the resilient people of Iran:
“The hero of my film is a mother, because mothers are the true heroes in all our lives. I lost my mother just months before shooting, and it was her energy and prayers that guided me… I share this honor with the brave people of Iran who continue to stand against oppression. I pray for a world without war—a future filled with peace, love, and brotherhood.”
Key Winners from the 31st Busan Award & New Currents:
- Busan Award (Best Film): Bread and Book (Dir. Majid Majidi / Iran)
- Best Director: Li Yun-chan for To Be Normal (Taiwan)
- Best Actress: Zhou Xun (The First Loneliness)
- Best Actor: Himeno Kashun (Sakoto Is Always)
- Special Jury Prize: Edy Cahyono for My Mother (Indonesia)
- Artistic Contribution Award: Li Danfeng (Sound Design on The First Loneliness / China)
- New Currents Award (Best Debut): Shashank Walia for Birds in the Dark (India)
🎬 10 Days of Cinema, Global Stars, and Unforgettable Moments
Over ten days, BIFF showcased 316 films from 59 countries. Beyond the theater rooms, the festival served as a vibrant cultural hub, hosting:
- 10 Open Talk sessions with top directors and cast members
- 21 Outdoor Stage Greetings
- 5 Masterclasses featuring international film icons
- 304 Guest Visits (GV) that allowed audiences to engage in direct Q&A sessions with creators.
The closing ceremony itself kicked off with a heartwarming red carpet entrance by 28 festival volunteer representatives, followed by an opening address by actor Im Si-wan, who served as the sole host for the night.
“Tonight, we celebrate how far our steps toward the global stage have taken us,” Im Si-wan noted. “Some of the incredible stories born and discovered in this city are now ready to set sail into the wider world.”
📌 Summary of Key BIFF 2026 Metrics
| Category | 31st BIFF (2026) | Comparison vs Previous Year |
|---|---|---|
| Total Attendance | 277,000+ | +40,000 |
| Film Screening Audience | 200,000+ | Highest in 10 years |
| Seat Occupancy Rate | 85.4% | +1.0%p |
| Total Screenings | 316 films (59 countries) | 304 Guest Visits (GV) |
With its official A-List accreditation and record audience turnout, the Busan International Film Festival has proven that its 30-year foundation wasn’t just a peak—it was the launching pad for a bigger, bolder global vision.
See you next year in Busan! 🌊🎥
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