Fukada Koji, Jakrawal Nilthamrong, Boo Junfeng Films Win Busan Co-Production Fund
Busan International Film Festival’s Asian Cinema Fund has awarded its 2026 Co-Production Support Fund to three international film projects directed by Fukada Koji, Jakrawal Nilthamrong and Boo Junfeng. The grants are intended to help complete cross-border productions involving Korea, reflecting growing institutional support for international collaboration in Asian cinema.
The projects are “Grateful”, a Korea-Japan production receiving KRW60 million (£approximately $42,900); “Rhizome”, involving Thailand, Korea, France, Laos and Singapore, receiving KRW40 million; and “Trinity”, involving 11 countries, also receiving KRW40 million. Together they received KRW140 million ($100,000), more than double the KRW65 million awarded in 2025, after being selected from 15 submissions; eligible projects must be formal Korean co-productions with at least 60% of net costs financed.
- Busan awarded three international film co-productions KRW140 million.
- Fukada Koji’s “Grateful” received the largest grant.
- Funding more than doubled from the scheme’s first year.
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The Busan International Film Festival is one of Asia’s best-known film events and is held each year in the South Korean city of Busan. Alongside screenings and awards, it runs the Asian Cinema Fund, which provides financial help to filmmakers and projects at different stages of production.
A co-production is a film made jointly by companies or partners in more than one country. These arrangements can combine funding, crews, locations and access to audiences, but usually require formal agreements and can be complex to organise.
Fukada Koji is a Japanese director, Jakrawal Nilthamrong is a Thai director, and Boo Junfeng is a Singaporean director. Support for their projects reflects the festival’s role in helping films with Korean partners move from development and filming towards completion.