The 31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) has announced the lineup and schedule for its main events: Master Classes, Cine Classes, and Special Talk. These programs offer audiences immersive opportunities to engage directly with world-renowned filmmakers and industry experts.

Master Class offers a special chance to hear directly from world-renowned directors about their artistic philosophies and creative journeys. This year’s lineup features director Na Hong-jin, who garnered global acclaim this year with HOPE, will share insights into the source of his creative vision; acclaimed Philippine master Lav Diaz; and director Bertrand Mandico, celebrated for his singular worldview and striking mise-en-scène. Rounding out the lineup is Japanese animation legend Rintaro, director of such iconic works as Galaxy Express 999 (1979) and Metropolis (2001). His return to Korea for the first time in 17 years is drawing significant anticipation.

Launched last year to an enthusiastic audience response, Cine Class provides a platform to hear from creators and experts across various fields. This year’s program opens with Zhang Lu, winner of the Busan Award for Best Film at BIFF 2025 for Gloaming in Luomu (2025), who will share insights on cinema and life. Documentary master Seifollah Samadian, whose work bridges photography and film, will reflect on his 30-year friendship with the late Iranian auteur Abbas Kiarostami. Filmmaker and actor Judith Godrèche, who broke the long-standing silence in French cinema with her courageous voice and forged new narratives for women, will also meet audiences to discuss women’s lives and representation in cinema, while Billy Acumen, the producer behind The Roundup (2017, 2022, 2023, 2024) series, and The King’s Warden (2026), will share the secrets behind his box-office successes. Rounding out the program are Bi Gan, acclaimed since his debut for his uniquely dreamlike aesthetic, discussing his artistic philosophy, and Shim Eun-kyung, who will reflect on her acting journey across genres and borders.

DSU-KIT: Dongseo University and Kyungnam College of Information and Technology.