BUSAN, South Korea — Director Na Hong-jin is taking on a significant role as the inaugural jury president for the new competition section at the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF). He expressed his commitment to the judging process during a press conference at the Busan Cinema Center on Thursday.
Reflecting on his return to such a prestigious platform after nearly a decade away from directing, Na admitted that the experience felt overwhelming. “Being on that stage again felt like a panic attack,” he said. With a keen sense of responsibility, he acknowledged the pressure of this historic moment and pledged to dedicate himself to the task at hand.
This year marks the debut of the Busan Award, which will celebrate excellence in Asian cinema. The awards ceremony is set for September 26, the festival’s closing day. Under Na’s leadership, the jury will evaluate 14 prominent films from across Asia, recognizing achievements in five categories: Best Film, Best Director, Special Jury Award, Best Actor, and Artistic Contribution.
Na, known for his acclaimed films like “The Chaser,” accepted the role at the suggestion of his mentor, Park Kwang-su, chair of BIFF and a revered filmmaker. Na expressed deep respect for the filmmakers whose works are in contention, stating that he would strive to honor their contributions through his judging.
The jury composed of accomplished individuals includes Hong Kong actor Tony Leung Ka-fai, Indian filmmaker Nandita Das, and Iranian director Marzieh Meshkini. Also on the panel are Korean American director Kogonada and Indonesian film producer Yulia Evina Bhara, alongside Korean actor Han Hyo-joo.
Leung emphasized the honor of serving on the jury, viewing it as a privilege that surpasses attending a festival as an actor. He described film as a universal medium that transcends boundaries and noted the importance of setting clear criteria for evaluation.
He articulated a desire for audiences to engage with cinema, stating that his role involves identifying outstanding films that resonate with viewers. Han Hyo-joo highlighted her commitment to assessing films based on their artistic merit, emphasizing the growing global interest in Asian culture.
“We need to approach films without bias,” she asserted, pledging to discover the messages and sincerity embedded in each work.
Participants in this year’s festival are poised to showcase a diverse array of films, as BIFF continues to enhance its reputation as one of Asia’s foremost cinematic events.
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