BUSAN, South Korea — Na Hong-jin, renowned for directing acclaimed films like “The Chaser” and “The Wailing,” expressed his mix of excitement and apprehension as he took on the role of jury chair for the inaugural competition section at the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF). Speaking at a press conference on September 18, Na revealed the weight of expectations resting on his shoulders.
“I was so burdened that I really didn’t want to do it,” Na remarked, eliciting laughter from attendees as he reflected on how the pressure even caused him to panic during the festival’s opening ceremony.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of BIFF, a milestone celebrated with the introduction of the Busan Awards, aimed at spotlighting exceptional Asian cinema. The awards encompass five categories: Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor/Actress, the Special Jury Award, and the Artistic Contribution Award. Notably, the winner of the Best Film will be honored during the festival’s closing ceremony.
Na leads a distinguished seven-member jury that includes Hong Kong actor Tony Leung Ka-fai, Indian director and actress Nandita Das, Iranian filmmaker Marziyeh Meshkiny, American director Kogonada, Indonesian producer Yulia Evina Bhara, and South Korean actress Han Hyo-joo. Together, they will select winners from a slate of 14 Asian films that range from “Another Birth” by Isabelle Kalandar to “Without Permission” by Hassan Nazer.
In discussing his role, Na acknowledged that he was not involved in the film selection process but sensed a strong vision guiding the competition. “I felt we need to create opportunities that serve as a foundation and stepping stone for artists,” he explained. He committed to evaluating each film thoroughly, aiming to achieve results that reflect the festival’s prestigious standing.
The jury members underscored their desire to reach a unanimous decision through extensive discussions. Kogonada, known for his work on the Apple TV+ series “Pachinko,” emphasized the collaborative aspect of the jury’s deliberations. He remarked, “For some people, film is all about the acting; for others, it’s about the design, and for still others, it’s about the emotion.” He expressed hope that by entering into dialogue, the jury could strike a balance and identify films that resonate as a collective value.
As the festival progresses, the anticipation for the Busan Awards grows, marking a new chapter for BIFF as it continues to champion diverse and groundbreaking cinema from across Asia.
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