Busan International Film Festival Unveils Star-Studded Lineup for Fan Events

Major Stars Set to Meet Fans at 31st Annual Festival

The 31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) has announced the complete lineup and schedule for three of its most anticipated fan-facing programs. Open Talk, Outdoor Stage Greeting, and Talk-to-Talk sessions will take place at the Busan Cinema Center Roof Theater and the HANMAC Smooooth Lounge, giving audiences direct access to directors and cast members from Korean and international productions. The sessions span from October 7 through October 13, featuring some of Asia’s biggest stars alongside celebrated international talent.

The festival’s fan programs showcase a remarkable blend of established filmmakers and rising talent, creating opportunities for cinema enthusiasts to engage directly with the creative minds behind this year’s selections. The lineup represents both Korean cinema’s continued global influence and the festival’s commitment to international collaboration, with participants ranging from veteran directors to emerging actors making their mark on the industry.

Open Talk Kicks Off With Lee Chang-dong’s “Possible Love”

Open Talk launches on October 7 with director Lee Chang-dong presenting “Possible Love” alongside an all-star cast. Jeon Do-yeon, Sul Kyung-gu, Zo In-sung, and Cho Yeo-jeong will join the acclaimed director for the opening session. The same day features “Cattle Run,” bringing director Kim Ji-hyun together with Ryu Seung-ryong, Park Hae-jun, Ong Seong-wu, and Lee Sang-hee.

“The Table: Day and Night” rounds out the October 7 schedule, pairing director Kim Jong-kwan with an ensemble cast. Kim Min-ha, Joo Jong-hyuk, Han Sun-hwa, Shim Eun-kyung, Jeon So-young, and Kim Dong-hwi will participate in the discussion, offering insights into the film’s collaborative creative process.

Mid-Festival Sessions Spotlight New Voices

On October 8, “Sapiens” brings director Lee Hu-bin to the stage with actors Jung Sung-il, You Chea-myung, and Ryu Hyunkyung. “Dead-End Job” follows immediately after, pairing director Kim Da-min with Kim Min-ha and Choi Hyun-wook for a discussion of the film’s themes and production challenges.

October 9 delivers three separate sessions showcasing diverse filmmaking perspectives. “The Blue Road” features director Han Jun-hee alongside Son Sukku, Nagayama Eita, and Kim Shin-rok, while “Ugly Duckling Ms. Maeng” pairs director Lee Yong-jae with stars Lee Sun-bin, You Chea-myung, Jun Suk-ho, and Kim Young-min. “The Sorry Generation” closes the day with director Kim Sung-yoon and actors Jung Jae-young, Kim Joo-ryoung, Lee Yi-kyung, and Kim Ah-young.

Festival Spotlights Rising Talent Before Closing With Isabelle Huppert

A special “BIFF Discoveries: Rising New Talents” session on October 10 focuses on emerging performers making their mark in festival selections. Jeon So-young and Kim Dong-hwi from “The Table: Day and Night” appear alongside Sim Su-bin, who appears in both “The Birds” and “The World Before.” The session provides a platform for new voices in Korean cinema to connect directly with audiences and industry professionals, reinforcing BIFF’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of filmmaking talent.

The Open Talk program concludes on October 13 with international cinema icon Isabelle Huppert and director Marc Fitoussi discussing their collaboration on “All About Corinne.” The French actress’s participation underscores the festival’s global reach and its ability to attract world-class talent, bringing together Eastern and Western cinematic traditions in meaningful dialogue.

Outdoor Stage Greeting Features Blockbuster Talent

The Outdoor Stage Greeting program runs from October 7 through October 11, covering dozens of titles across multiple venues. October 7 alone features an impressive array of presentations, beginning with director Stephanie Ahn appearing alongside Moon Choi and Son Sukku for “Bedford Park.” Director Fujii Michihito and actor Yokohama Ryusei present “You, Like a Star,” while director Sato Sakichi brings Sawajiri Erika and Maruyama Ryuhei for “The Chain of Roses.”

Director Hur Jin-ho appears with Yoo Hai-jin, Park Hae-il, and Lee Min-ho for “The Assassin(s),” drawing anticipated crowds for the star-powered thriller. Director Feng-I Fiona Roan brings Shuhua Yeh, Xuan Chen, and Kent Tsai for “Happily Ever After,” showcasing regional cinema diversity.

Season Two of “Made In Korea” Headlines Evening Sessions

One of the most anticipated presentations features director Woo Min-ho appearing with Hyun Bin, Jung Woo-sung, and Woo Do-hwan for “Made In Korea” Season 2. The sequel’s presence at BIFF signals the festival’s embrace of episodic content and recognition of changing audience consumption patterns, blending traditional cinema with modern streaming formats. The star trio’s combined box office power and critical acclaim positions this as one of the festival’s highest-profile outdoor greeting events.

The extensive lineup across both programs demonstrates BIFF’s continued evolution as a bridge between filmmakers and audiences, maintaining its position as Asia’s premier film festival. The combination of intimate talks and large-scale greetings ensures accessibility for diverse audience preferences, from cinephiles seeking in-depth creative discussions to fans eager for personal encounters with beloved stars. With venues specifically designed for audience interaction, the festival architecture supports meaningful exchanges that extend beyond typical red carpet appearances.

As the 31st edition approaches, these fan programs complement BIFF’s competitive and showcase sections, creating a comprehensive festival experience. The carefully curated mix of Korean commercial cinema, independent productions, and international collaborations reflects the festival’s mission to celebrate cinema in all its forms while maintaining strong connections to the passionate audiences that make Busan one of the world’s most vital film events.