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.