The Busan International Film Festival will honour its founder, Kim Dong-ho, with its Korean Cinema Award at the opening ceremony on 6 October. The award recognises people who have strengthened Korean cinema’s international standing, reflecting Kim’s central role in building BIFF into Asia’s leading film showcase and supporting the wider Korean cultural wave.

Kim founded BIFF in 1996 and led it for its first 14 years, notably refusing to submit its programme to government pre-screening censorship. A former senior culture ministry official and film-body president, he remained active after leaving the directorship and made his feature directing debut aged 88 with the documentary *Mr. Kim Goes to the Cinema*. The festival’s 31st edition runs from 6 to 15 October, with Michelle Yeoh and Ann Hui also due to receive awards.