Busan International Film Festival

Busan International Film Festival (BIFF, previously Pusan International Film Festival , PIFF Korean: 부산국제영화제, Hanja: 釜山國際映畵祭), held annually in Haeundae-gu, Busan (also Pusan), South Korea, is one of the most significant film festivals in Asia. The first festival, held from September 13 to September 21, 1996, was also the first international film festival in Korea. The focus of the BIFF is introducing new films and first-time directors, especially those from Asian countries. Another notable feature is the appeal of the festival to young people, both in terms of the large youthful audience it attracts and through its efforts to develop and promote young talent. In 1999, the Pusan Promotion Plan (renamed Asian Project Market in 2011) was established to connect new directors to funding sources.

History

• 1st BIFF, September 13–21, 1996

Films screened: 173 films from 31 countries

Opening Film: Secrets and Lies, Mike Leigh, UK/France

Closing Film: In Expectation, Ming Zhang, China

Participating guests: 224 guests from 27 countries

Total audience: 184,071

• 2nd BIFF, October 10–18, 1997

Films screened: 163 films from 33 countries

Opening Film: Chinese Box, Wayne Wang, UK/France/USA/Japan

Closing Film: Eighteen Springs, Ann Hui, Hong Kong

Participating guests: 450 guests from 30 countries

Total audience: 170,206

• 3rd BIFF, September 24 - October 1, 1998

Films screened: 211 films from 41 countries

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