Festivals

Na Hong-jin Embraces Challenge as First Jury President at Busan International Film Festival’s Inaugural Competition

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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 … Read more

Call for Nominations: Help Shape the Future of Creativity at 2026 Spikes Asia and Cannes Lions Festivals!

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Sydney, Australia — The Advertising Council Australia (ACA) has launched the nomination process for jurors at the upcoming 2026 Spikes Asia and Cannes Lions Festivals of Creativity. This opportunity invites esteemed professionals from various sectors of the advertising and marketing industries to nominate their peers to evaluate creative excellence. Eligible nominees include prominent figures in advertising, media, audio, design, and marketing, as well as industry experts who have received recognition through major awards such as the Spikes or Cannes Lions during the past three years. The detailed criteria outlining qualifications and categories for jury members … Read more

Venice Film Festival’s Jury President Denies Resignation Rumors, Sparking Debate Over Award Integrity and Media Trust

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Venice, Italy — A fierce denial from the head of a prominent film festival jury has sparked a firestorm of speculation and debate in the film community. Alexander Payne, the jury president, took to a press conference to address rumors that a juror had threatened to resign following the voting for awards. His blunt statement, urging the public not to trust circulating claims, quickly became a point of discussion regarding the integrity of the festival’s proceedings and its transparency. The controversy emerged after the awarding of the prestigious Golden Lion to filmmaker Jim Jarmusch’s movie … Read more

Venice Film Festival’s Golden Lion Sparks Debate: Jarmusch’s Win vs. Ben Hania’s Heartfelt Drama

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Venice, Italy — The Venice Film Festival concluded with the prestigious Golden Lion for best film awarded to Jim Jarmusch for his work “Father Mother Sister Brother.” Jury president Alexander Payne faced an intense media inquiry regarding the decision, especially since Kaouther Ben Hania’s Gaza drama, “The Voice of Hind Rajab,” garnered a heartfelt 22-minute standing ovation during its premiere and secured the runner-up grand jury prize. At a press conference following the awards ceremony, Payne addressed the inevitable comparisons and expectations surrounding the two films. “The unfair aspect of being part of a festival … Read more