The seven-member international jury for the Busan International Film Festival's groundbreaking inaugural competition section gathered at the Busan Cinema Center on Thursday, expressing both the enormous responsibility they feel and their excitement about this historic milestone. The jury will evaluate 14 Asian films competing for five prestigious awards worth a total of 110 million won ($80,000).
Jury President Na Hong-jin, acclaimed director of "The Chaser" and "The Wailing," opened the press conference with characteristic honesty about the pressure he faces. "Honestly, the pressure is immense -- I really didn't want to do this," he said with humor. "Yesterday at the opening ceremony, I nearly had a panic attack. The festival has made an important decision to go competitive, and we'll examine each film carefully, element by element." His candid remarks set the tone for what promises to be a thorough and thoughtful evaluation process.
The competition will recognize excellence across multiple categories, with films vying for best film, best director, special jury prize, best actor, and artistic contribution awards. Hong Kong veteran actor Tony Leung Ka-fai, making his second visit to BIFF, brought an experienced performer's perspective to the panel discussions. "Just being here is thrilling," he enthusiastic expressed. "Film is a universal language. Every local film exports its culture -- whether from Korea, China, Japan or elsewhere. That's our responsibility as filmmakers."
Indian actor-director Nandita Das emphasized the inherently subjective nature of film judgment while expressing hope for selecting works that address current global issues. "Time is cinema's only true judge, and everything else is subjective," she noted thoughtfully. "Given the crises our world faces, I hope we'll choose films that are progressive and humane." Her comments highlighted the jury's awareness of cinema's social responsibility.
Korean American director Kogonada, known for critically acclaimed films "Columbus" and "After Yang," stressed the importance of collaborative decision-making among jury members. "The criteria for judging come through conversation. Some focus on acting, others on design or emotion. The jury's beauty lies in finding balance through dialogue," he explained. Indonesian producer Yulia Evina Bhara expressed her gratitude for participating in this historic moment for BIFF, while Korean actress Han Hyo-joo emphasized her role in bringing fresh perspectives as the jury's youngest member.
Senior programmer Park Ga-eon confirmed that the jury is committed to reaching unanimous decisions on all awards. When journalists pressed for specific judging criteria, Na took a measured and thoughtful approach to his response. "Film comprises so many diverse elements. Each work has different characteristics and textures. We need to experience them first," he explained, indicating the jury's commitment to evaluating each film on its own merits.
The competition section features several notable and internationally recognized entries that demonstrate the high caliber of Asian cinema. Chinese director Bi Gan's "Resurrection" arrives fresh from winning the special jury prize at the Cannes Film Festival, while Taiwan's "Left-Handed Girl" from director Tsou Shih-Ching comes with the backing of recent Palme d'Or winner Sean Baker as producer. Korean director Lim Sun-ae's "Seven O'Clock Breakfast Club for the Brokenhearted" stars popular actors Suzy and Lee Jin-wook, and Japan's "Two Seasons, Two Strangers," which claimed top honors at the Locarno International Film Festival, features Korean actress Shim Eun-kyung.
Despite his admitted anxiety about the enormous responsibility, Na concluded the press conference with determination and commitment to excellence. "An extremely important moment has begun. Whatever our differing opinions, we'll produce results that benefit the festival and the film community. We'll do our absolute best," he declared. The Busan International Film Festival continues through September 26 at venues across Busan, with competition winners to be revealed at the closing ceremony.
