Kim Min-ha hosts the 31st BIFF, with domestic and international stars all in attendance..Busan dyed in cinema [Comprehensive]

*This content was translated by AI.

The 31st Busan International Film Festival opened grandly amid the intense interest of film professionals both at home and abroad.

The opening ceremony of the 31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) was held on the 6th at the outdoor stage of the Cinema Hall in Haeundae-gu, Busan. Actress Kim Min-ha served as the host.

At this year's Busan International Film Festival, a total of 316 films from 59 countries can be viewed, including 69 Community BIFF screenings. New and notable works showcasing the present and future of Asian cinema and the global film industry will meet audiences at eight theaters in Busan, including the Cinema Hall, across a total of 31 screens.

Prior to the opening ceremony, the red carpet was attended by a large number of actors and film professionals representing the domestic film industry, including Kang Yu-seok, Kim Do-yeon, Kim Dong-hwi, Kim Min-ha, Kim Shin-rok, Kim A-young, Kim Young-min, Kim Jae-won, Kim Joo-ryeong, PD Kim Tae-ho, Kim Hyeon-joo, Kim Hye-ja, Noh Jeong-eui, Ryu Seung-ryong, Ryu Hyun-gyung, Park Sung-woong, Park Ji-hyun, Park Hae-jun, Bae Gang-hee, Sol Kyung-gu, Son Seok-koo, Shin Hyun-jun, Shim Eun-kyung, Shim Eun-u, Shuhwa of the group Idles, Ong Seong-wu, Woo Do-hwan, Yoo Jae-myung, Eom Moon-seok, Lee Sun-bin, Lee Yi-kyung, Lee Hee-jun, Jang Yul, Jeon Do-yeon, Jeon So-young, Jeon Seok-ho, Jung Sung-il, Jung Woo-sung, Jo Yeong-jeong, Jo I-hyun, Jo In-sung, Joo Jong-hyuk, Choi Hee-seo, and Han Sun-hwa.

International guests included director Hirokazu Kore-eda, as well as actors Eita Nagayama, Shunsuke Michieda, Erika Sawajiri, Maggie Cheung, and Fan Bingbing, who graced the occasion with their presence.

At the opening ceremony, actress Maggie Cheung received the Asian Film Person of the Year award, former Busan International Film Festival Lee (President) Kim Dong-ho received the Korean Film Merit Award, and director, screenwriter, and producer Xu Anhua received the Camellia Award. Director Kim Jong-kwan's "Day and Night to Each Other" will be screened as the opening film.

The Busan International Film Festival selected former Lee (President) Kim Dong-ho as the recipient of the "Korean Film Merit Award" to honor his achievements in laying the foundation in a barren landscape for international film festivals and driving the globalization of Korean cinema.

After working in cultural administration, former Lee (President) Kim Dong-ho served as the inaugural executive director of the Busan International Film Festival in 1996, leading to its successful launch. In particular, he contributed to the growth of the Busan International Film Festival into a film festival representing Asia by upholding freedom of expression and independence against the practice of pre-screening reviews during its early days.

In particular, he upheld freedom of expression and independence against the practice of pre-screening reviews for films shown in the early days of the festival's launch. Jo In-sung expressed his respect in a tribute video, stating, "We are a generation that enjoys the achievements you worked so hard to accomplish."

Former Lee (President) Kim Dong-ho shared his thoughts, saying, "This year, I have been traveling abroad and striving to introduce Korean films. I plan to continue such activities in the future as well."

Actress Maggie Cheung, who received the Asian Film Person of the Year award, took the stage and greeted in Korean, saying, "Thank you."

Maggie Cheung expressed her gratitude, stating, "It is an unparalleled honor to receive the Asian Film Person of the Year award," and added, "I believe there is deep meaning in the way films are conveyed to people beyond culture and national borders."

She continued, "It is very meaningful to return to Busan after many years have passed," and said, "I would also like to extend my congratulations on the achievements made by the Busan International Film Festival."

She also noted, "Asian cinema is now making a powerful voice and serving as a bridge connecting East and West," adding, "It is special to be here with storytellers who constantly challenge and inspire."

Maggie Cheung did not forget to express her gratitude to those around her. She said, "No one can do this work alone. There are people who believed in me, encouraged me to take on challenges, and stood by my side," adding, "Sometimes, even on the longest and hardest days, they are the ones who simply made me smile."

She added, "Having such people in my life has been a great blessing," while conveying her gratitude to director Zhang Yimou and producer Xu Anhua.

For the Shim Sa-wi (Director) role, director Zhang Yimou was appointed, having secured all major awards at the world's three major film festivals, including the Golden Bear Award at the Berlin International Film Festival, the Golden Lion Award at the Venice International Film Festival, and the Grand Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival, thereby occupying an important place in world film history. Director Zhang Yimou will lead the judging of the 13th films selected for the competition section.

Meanwhile, the 31st Busan International Film Festival will be held over ten days from the 6th to the 15th in and around Busan.

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*This content was translated by AI.