International

Director Na Hong-jin Opens Up About Juggling High Expectations as Jury Chair at Busan International Film Festival

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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 … Read more

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

Spain Chooses Cannes Hit “Sirāt” as Official Oscar Contender for International Feature

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Madrid, Spain — Óliver Laxe’s film Sirāt has been selected as Spain’s entry for the Academy Awards in the international feature film category. The film, which debuted at the Cannes Film Festival, secured a prestigious jury prize, sharing this honor with Sound of Falling, directed by Mascha Schilinski. Sirāt narrates the gripping story of a father and son searching for their missing daughter and sister during a rave set against the mountainous backdrop of southern Morocco. The cast features talent like Sergi López and Bruno Núñez Arjona, bringing emotional depth to this poignant narrative. The … Read more

Spain Chooses Oliver Laxe’s ‘Sirât’ for Oscar Contention in a Competitive International Film Race

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Madrid, Spain — Spain has officially chosen “Sirât,” directed by Oliver Laxe, as its candidate for the Best International Feature Film at the upcoming 98th Academy Awards. This striking film showcases a unique desert journey that has stirred interest both critically and commercially. The announcement was made by Pablo Berger, known for his previous work, including the animated feature “Robot Dreams,” which earned a nomination last year. Berger also represented Spain with his silent film “Blancanieves” at the Oscars in 2013. By selecting “Sirât,” Spain joins a competitive field vying for recognition in this prestigious … Read more