Busan 2024: 63 European Films and Female Filmmakers Take Center Stage
The 29th edition of the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), scheduled from October 2 to 11, 2024, promises a significant showcase of European films and talent. The festival, one of Asia's largest, will feature 63 European films, drawing attention to the diversity of European cinema. In addition, 28 world sales companies will participate in the Asian Contents & Film Market (ACFM), which runs from October 5 to 8, further enhancing the global reach of European films.
Among the festival's highlights is a dedicated "Special Program in Focus" on Portuguese director Miguel Gomes. The program, titled Miguel Gomes: A Filmmaker of Joyful Melancholy, will present his entire body of work, offering a unique opportunity for cinephiles to explore the distinct style of one of Europe's most celebrated filmmakers.
Female directors are also prominently represented at BIFF 2024, marking a notable rise in female participation compared to previous years. Films such as Harvest and The Substance reflect this trend, with several female directors visiting Busan, including Patricia Mazuy (Visiting Hours), Marie-Magdalena Kochová (The Other One), Margherita Vicario (Gloria!) and Dea Kulumbegashvili (April). BIFF's programmer, Seo Seunghee, emphasized the festival’s commitment to showcasing these "brilliant European films" and the importance of spotlighting female filmmakers.
The Flash Forward section, which highlights first or second features by non-Asian directors, will feature works by nine European filmmakers, out of the 11 total selections. Directors such as Rungano Nyoni (On Becoming a Guinea Fowl), Jonathan Millet (Ghost Trail), and Jethro Massey (Paul and Paulette Take a Bath) will be in attendance, along with other promising European talents.
In addition to screenings, BIFF will host a special networking event, the EUROPE! Cocktail, organized in collaboration with Cinecittà. This event aims to foster connections between European filmmakers and the South Korean and broader Asian industry. Attendees will include renowned filmmakers like Leos Carax (It's Not Me), Magnus von Horn (The Girl with the Needle), and Göran Hugo Olsson (Israel Palestine on Swedish TV 1958-1989), among others.
Jo Mühlberger, Deputy Managing Director of European Film Promotion (EFP), highlighted BIFF’s crucial role in promoting European films on a global scale, noting the festival's enthusiastic reception among Korean audiences. Mühlberger remarked, "The festival and the Asian Contents & Film Market serve as crucial hubs for extending the reach of European cinema."
The Busan International Film Festival remains a significant platform for bridging European and Asian cinematic cultures, offering a vibrant space for filmmakers, producers, and audiences to connect and engage in a meaningful cultural exchange.