The Busan International Film Festival attracted heavyweight ju umpires for the newly launched competition section, with South Korea’s Auther Na Hong Jin as president, tapping alongside six international film celebrities in the festival’s groundbreaking 30th edition.
Na Hong-Jin, the visionary Na Hong-Jin behind “The Chaser”, “The Yellow Sea” and “The Wailing” will host a panel of seven members who read as if they were who in the global film. Joining the Korean filmmakers are Hong Kong acting legend Tony Leon Ka Fai, Indian actor Nandita Das, Iranian New Wave director Marjie Meshkinny, American Helmer Kogonada, Indonesian producer Ilia Evina Bala and Korean star Han Hyo-ju.
The expanded ju umpire will rise from the traditional five members to rate 14 competitive titles representing what organizers call “some of the most outstanding Asian films of the year.” The winners will be announced at the closing ceremony, and the newly created Busan Awards will receive a total prize of $110 million ($79,000) over five categories: Best Film, Director, Actor, Special Juye Award and Artistic Contribution.
“Because this is a newly launched section, we sought to appoint a ju apprentice with discerning eyes, bold perspectives and international influence,” said Jung Hanseok, director of Biff Festival. “To broaden the scope of deliberations, the Busan International Film Festival has expanded its panel from five to seven members this year. We are truly looking forward to seeing this year’s most outstanding Asian films being selected by these prominent members led by ju-jury President Na Hong-jin.”
Na Hong-Jin brings considerable international credibility to the President’s Speaker. His 2016 supernatural thriller, The Wailing, won widespread critical acclaim. The filmmaker recently expanded his portfolio of production with his Thai Kohlian co-produced “The Medium,” and is now post-production with “Hope.” This starred Hwang Jung Min, ZO and “Squid Game” breakout Huiyoung along with Alicia Vikander and Michael Fassbender.
Tony Leung Ka-Fai began his career as the youngest Hong Kong Film Award winner to win the Hong Kong Film Awards in 1983’s “Reign Beald a Courtaneous” and brings decades of expertise in Hong Kong film. His 200-volume resume spans classics such as “Dragon Inn,” “Ash of Time,” and “Cold War” franchises, with current titles such as “Son’s Neon Night” and “Shadow’s Edge.”
Nandita Das has appeared in over 40 features, including Deepa Mehta’s “Fire” and “Earth,” offering both acting and directorial perspectives. Her directorial efforts include the UN’s specific choice “Cloak” at the Cannes and the premiere of the Toronto Film Festival “Zwigato.” She paid tribute to Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in France, and served as a ju judge at Cannes twice.
Marziyeh Meshkiny represents the movement of a new wave of Iranian cinema. A graduate of Mahmalbaf Film School, she broke through with “The Day I Became a Woman,” which won multiple Venice Awards and Biff’s New Current Awards in 2000.
Cogonada brings American indie sensibility to his work on Apple TV+’s Pachinko, in addition to the acclaimed features “Columbus” (Sundance 2017) and “After Yang” (Cannes 2022). His upcoming “A Big Bold Beautiful Journey,” starring Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell, will be a hit in US theatres on September 19th.
Indonesian producer Yulia Evina Bhara represents Southeast Asian films through Kawan Kawan’s media banner, with credits such as Venice’s winner “Autobiography”, Cannes winner “Tiger Stripe” and this year’s Cannes entry “Runoa”. Variety named her one of her impactful international women in 2023.
Han Hyo-joo concludes the panel. Its career spans from breakout historic drama Don Yi to recent global streaming hits such as Disney+’s “Moving” and Netflix’s “Romantic Anonymous,” demonstrating the growing international reach of Korean entertainment.
The 30th Busan International Film Festival will be held from September 17th to 26th at Busan Film Centres and venues throughout the port city. The simultaneous 20th Asian content and film market will be held from September 20th to 23rd.
