Discover the 31st Busan International Film Festival Screenings and Highlights

The 31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) is generating significant buzz in Korea. It is an annual event that transforms Busan into a cinematic hub, attracting considerable attention for its diverse selection of films and related programs. The festival is a major cultural highlight, drawing film enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.

The 31st BIFF is scheduled from October 6 to October 15, 2026. It will feature a total of 316 films from 59 countries, screened across 8 theaters and 31 screens, including the Busan Cinema Center, CGV Centum City, and Lotte Cinema Centum City. The opening film is Kim Jong-kwan's "The Table: Day and Night," making its world premiere. Other notable screenings include "Look Back" and the world premiere of "Beautiful Twilight Moon," a youth romance film. Ticket sales were conducted in two phases, starting September 17 and September 21, with prices ranging from 10,000 KRW for general screenings to 30,000 KRW for opening/closing ceremonies. The festival also includes events like the Asia Contents & Film Market (ACFM) and various audience programs such as Actors' House and Master Classes.

Local bloggers emphasize that BIFF offers a chance to see new works from world-renowned directors, highly anticipated films from international festivals like Cannes and Venice, and domestic and international premieres. They note the intense competition for tickets but advise checking for cancellation tickets. Bloggers also highlight the festival's diverse offerings beyond film screenings, such as the Asia Contents & Film Market, and recommend checking venue locations and travel times due to multiple screening sites. The experience of watching films outdoors on a large screen on cool autumn nights is also mentioned as a unique charm of the festival.