Busan Fest Unveils 14-Title Competition Section, Including World Premieres From Majid Majidi, Hirose Nanako & Yosep Anggi Noen
The Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) has unveiled its full 2026 programme, headlined by a 14-title Competition section featuring 12 world premieres, including new work from Iranian director Majid Majidi, Hirokazu Kore-eda protégé Hirose Nanako and Indonesian filmmaker Yosep Anggi Noen. The announcement matters beyond Busan itself, as the festival has now been designated an "A-list festival" by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations, putting it alongside Cannes, Berlin, Venice, Sundance and Toronto, and meaning its top prize now qualifies entrants for Oscar submission in the Best International Feature Film category.
The 2026 edition will screen 246 official selections, its largest line-up since 2019, opening a day earlier than usual on Tuesday 6 October and adding extra daily screening slots over its busiest weekend. Notable guests include Maggie Gyllenhaal, presenting a Marilyn Monroe centenary short alongside a screening of Bus Stop, and Michelle Yeoh, named Asian Filmmaker of the Year, while Hong Kong director Ann Hui receives the Camellia Award and BIFF co-founder Kim Dong-ho takes the Korean Cinema Award. The festival opens with the world premiere of Kim Jong-kwan's The Table: Day and Night, and also features Isabelle Huppert, Lav Diaz, Christine Hakim and anime veteran Rintaro among its attendees.
In short
- Busan festival unveils 14-film Competition line-up with 12 world premieres
- BIFF gains "A-list" status, qualifying winners for Oscar consideration
- Largest programme since 2019, featuring Gyllenhaal, Yeoh and Huppert
Explained simply
The Busan International Film Festival is a major annual film event held in South Korea. Its Competition section brings together films for consideration for the festival’s top prize, and often showcases new work from established and emerging directors.
The International Federation of Film Producers Associations recognises leading film festivals around the world. Busan’s new A-list status means its top prize can qualify a film for submission to the Oscars’ Best International Feature Film category, giving the award wider significance for filmmakers.
The festival also screens films beyond the Competition section and hosts directors, actors and other film-industry guests. Its programme and awards can draw attention to films from across Asia and beyond.
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