The Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, is set to welcome an unprecedented lineup of world-renowned filmmakers and stars.

BIFF organizers introduced the highlights of this year’s edition, which runs from September 17 to 26.

This year’s program includes 241 films from 64 countries, an increase from last year, with screenings expanded to new venues such as CGV Centum City IMAX, the Dongseo University Sohyang Theater Shinhan Card Hall, and the Busan Citizens’ Media Center.

Among the international guests, Italian filmmaker Marco Bellocchio will visit Busan for the first time for a special retrospective, while acclaimed Hollywood director Guillermo del Toro arrives with his new film Frankenstein.

Sean Baker, fresh off the success of Anora, and Michael Mann of Heat fame are also slated to appear.

Juliette Binoche returns to BIFF after 15 years for a special showcase, and Hollywood star Milla Jovovich will present her latest project, The Projector.

The festival will also spotlight leading Korean and Asian talent.

Park Chan-wook’s opening film Inevitable will set the tone, with celebrated directors Lee Chang-dong, Bong Joon-ho, and Kim Jee-woon in attendance, along with actors Lee Byung-hun, Kang Dong-won, and Ha Jung-woo.

International guests include directors Jafar Panahi, Jia Zhangke, Tsai Ming-liang, Wang Bing, and Lee Sang-il, alongside stars Tony Leung, Ken Watanabe, Chang Chen, Shu Qi, and Gui Lun-mei.

Organizers emphasized that BIFF 2025 aims to cement Busan’s status as a global hub for cinema, bringing together established masters, rising voices, and international audiences for a landmark year in the festival’s history.

Fleet Chinhae

USAG Daegu