Busan International Film Festival 2026 Unveils 246 Films — Its Biggest Lineup Since 2019

South Korea’s biggest film festival is getting even bigger in 2026.

The 31st Busan International Film Festival will run from October 6 through October 15, bringing one of its largest programs in years to Busan.

246 Official Selections From 59 Countries

BIFF organizers announced that this year’s festival will feature 246 official selections from 59 countries.

That makes the 2026 edition the festival’s largest official lineup since 2019.

The program includes 95 world premieres and 10 international premieres, giving Busan another major role in introducing new Asian and international films to global audiences.

Competition Returns for Its Second Year

BIFF’s Competition section, first introduced in 2025, is returning with 14 films from across Asia.

The selected titles include productions from countries such as South Korea, Japan, China, Iran, Tajikistan, Taiwan and Sri Lanka.

Festival organizers say the quality and depth of submissions increased significantly compared with the competition section’s first year.

Major Korean Films Are Part of the Lineup

The festival will open with director Kim Jong-kwan’s “The Table: Day and Night.”

Other Korean titles drawing attention include July Chung’s “Dora” and “Still Shining,” which marks veteran actress Kim Hye-ja’s return to the big screen after nine years.

International Stars Are Heading to Busan

The guest lineup also includes several major international film figures.

Expected attendees include Michelle Yeoh, who has been named BIFF’s Asian Filmmaker of the Year, as well as Maggie Gyllenhaal, Isabelle Huppert, Zhou Xun and Fan Bingbing.

Hong Kong filmmaker Ann Hui will receive the Camellia Award for her contributions to women in the film industry.

More Screenings for Festivalgoers

This year BIFF is opening on a Tuesday instead of its traditional Wednesday start.

The festival is also expanding its busiest Thursday-through-Sunday schedule from four daily screening slots to five, giving visitors more opportunities to see popular titles.

Across the full festival program, including Community BIFF, 315 films will be screened across 31 screens in eight theaters.

Busan Remains One of Asia’s Most Important Film Destinations

With hundreds of films, nearly 100 world premieres and major filmmakers and actors arriving from around the world, the 2026 edition reinforces Busan’s position as one of Asia’s most important cinema events.

For Korean movie fans — and travelers planning an October visit to Busan — this year’s festival could be one of the strongest editions in recent memory.

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Sources: Busan International Film Festival and Yonhap News Agency, September 1, 2026.