Busan, South Korea — Nandita Das, a renowned actor and filmmaker from India, has been appointed to the competition jury at the 30th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), which announced its lineup on Wednesday. The jury will be led by acclaimed Korean director Na Hong-Jin, known for his impactful contributions to contemporary cinema.
This year, BIFF has introduced a new competition section along with the inaugural "Busan Award." The winners of these awards will be disclosed at the festival’s closing ceremony.
Na Hong-Jin, serving as the jury president, is celebrated for his films such as The Chaser, The Yellow Sea, and The Wailing, all of which have received international recognition. His recent work includes involvement in the Thai-Korean co-production The Medium. Na’s upcoming project, titled Hope, features prominent actors including Hwang Jung-min and Zo In-sung, as well as Hollywood stars Alicia Vikander and Michael Fassbender.
Nandita Das has established herself as a significant figure in Indian cinema through her performances in key films like Earth, Fire, and Bawandar. She transitioned into directing with the critically acclaimed Firaaq in 2008, and has since been involved in various international film festivals, including Cannes. Her notable directorial works include Manto and Zwigato.
The jury also includes Tony Leung Ka-fai, an internationally recognized actor from Hong Kong. Leung’s filmography features numerous acclaimed projects such as Reign Behind a Curtain, Farewell China, and The Lover.
Another jury member, Marziyeh Meshkiny, is a prominent Iranian filmmaker from the New Wave movement. A graduate of the Makhmalbaf Film School, she gained recognition with her debut film The Day I Became a Woman, and has since directed titles like Stray Dogs and The Man Who Came with the Snow.
Kogonada, a Korean-American director known for his films Columbus, After Yang, and the series Pachinko, is part of the jury as well. His next film, A Big Bold Beautiful Journey, featuring Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell, is set for release in the U.S. on September 19 and in Korea in October.
Indonesian producer Yulia Evina Bhara adds a diverse perspective to the jury, having supported a range of projects that have broadened the reach of Southeast Asian cinema, including Solo, Solitude and Whether The Weather Is Fine.
Also among the judges is Han Hyo-joo, a leading Korean actress recognized for her performances in Spring Waltz, Cold Eyes, and the series Moving, who continues to expand her global presence.
Festival Director Jung Hanseok remarked on the expanded jury, noting that the selection aims to bring together members with unique insights and international influence. This year, the jury has increased from five to seven members to enhance the deliberation process.
The awards under the new Busan Award category encompass five distinct honors: Best Film, Best Director, Special Jury Prize, Best Actor, and Artistic Contribution.
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