Launched in 2025, BIFF’s Competition section celebrates its second year. Building on the strong interest and achievements of its inaugural year, this year’s submissions showed a remarkable rise in both quality and breadth, resulting in a deeper and more accomplished lineup. We are thrilled to present the 13 officially selected films, which together represent contemporary Asian cinema at its best.

Lim Ha-yeon’s striking debut feature, Beach Fictions, skillfully builds its characters and story with exceptional versatility, creating truly captivating moments on screen.

A former assistant director to Koreeda Hirokazu, Hirose Nanako—who previously showcased her debut feature His Lost Name and documentary Book-Paper-Scissors at BIFF—returns with the delicate love triangle drama, Between Two Lovers. Starring a Japanese powerhouse cast of Nagasawa Masami, Emoto Tasuku, and Ishibashi Shizuka, Hirose once again presents a deeply compelling film.

A promising new voice in Japanese cinema, Kato Takuya presents The Day After Sunday, a meticulously crafted psychological drama that steadily builds suspense alongside acclaimed actor Kuroki Haru’s remarkable performance.

Gu Yu, who has earned worldwide acclaim with his debut feature Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains—presented as the closing film of Cannes Critics’ Week—returns with The First Taste of Loneliness, the third and final film of his trilogy. Joining the cast is Zhou Xun, one of China’s most celebrated actors, who delivers an extraordinary performance that seamlessly pairs with Gu Yu’s signature visual mastery.

Uzbekistani director Botir Abdurakhmanov’s Hilol combines dynamic cinematography with thematic depth, proving the strength and vitality of Central Asian cinema.

Director Yeom Gyu-bok’s animated feature Long Long Night, adapted from the beloved children’s book, brings technical artistry and deep emotional resonance to the big screen.

Legendary Iranian director Majid Majidi, renowned for his cinematic landmark Children of Heaven, presents Midday Meal, capturing the very essence of life in all its paradoxes and resilience with exceptional grace.

Directed by Eddie Cahyono—a notable voice in Indonesian cinema—IBUKU delivers striking, elemental imagery and emotions, with a powerful performance from legendary screen icon Christine Hakim.

Satoko Always is the latest work by Okita Shuichi, one of contemporary Japanese cinema’s most distinctive directors. He is that rare filmmaker who bridges the gap between commercial appeal and arthouse sensibility as he brings a witty, reflective, and deeply original voice to his work.

The Sea Speaks His Name is an epic historical drama from acclaimed Indonesian director Yosep Anggi Noen, starring versatile actor Reza Rahadian.

Shaving is a compelling horror feature by director Kim Jung-hoon, exploring the complex psychology of its characters in an isolated, claustrophobic setting. The film powerfully demonstrates the current prowess of Korean genre cinema.

silver express is the debut feature of emerging Japanese director Tanaka Miki. With exquisite cinematography, it addresses the experience of navigating asexuality, delicately exploring a profound yet simple question: How do we each express love in our own way, within our separate lives?

Lastly, To Be Ordinary—directed by Taiwanese filmmaker Lee Yun Chan—captures life’s joys and sorrows with both warmth and unflinching honesty, offering a modern take on the enduring legacy of Taiwanese family drama.

The 31st Busan International Film Festival Ticket Reservation

September 11 (Fri), 17:00 KST

Screening Schedule Announcement

September 17 (Thu), 14:00 KST

Opening/Closing Ceremony / Open Cinema (Outdoor Screenings) /

Midnight Passion (Late-Night Screenings) / Actors’ House / Community BIFF

September 21 (Mon), 14:00 KST

General Screenings / Master Class / Cine Class