The 30th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) concluded with a notable increase in attendance, celebrating a significant milestone while reflecting on an industry in flux. This landmark edition highlighted key issues facing the industry, offering insights into the future of Asian cinema. Here are the five major takeaways from BIFF 2025.
Korean Cinema Faces a Critical Moment
The crisis in Korean cinema dominated discussions, highlighting a challenging phase for the industry. According to the Korean Film Council, box office revenues fell by 33% in the first half of 2025, with admissions also dropping. The lack of domestic hits, competition from streaming platforms, and economic constraints are contributing to this downturn. This scenario poses a serious threat to Korea‘s renowned theatrical culture.
Director Park Chan-wook expressed that the issue lies not only with cinema but also with movie theaters, impacting the entire film ecosystem. Jerry Ko of CJ ENM pointed out that traditional marketing models have become ineffective, and financing is increasingly difficult as investors grow cautious.
Co-productions are emerging as a potential remedy, with companies like CJ ENM and Hive exploring collaborations with Indonesia. Ellen Y.D. Kim stressed the importance of regional partnerships to foster new narratives.
Netflix and Hollywood Agencies Expand into Asia
At BIFF, Netflix made a decisive move towards Asian market prominence, presenting Creative Asia 2025, which included sessions with industry luminaries like Guillermo del Toro. The streaming service showcased a diverse nine-title slate, signaling its commitment to the region.
UTA’s partner David Park outlined an ambitious Asian expansion, focusing on integrating regional talents into global projects. By extending its reach beyond traditional representation, UTA aims to redefine its role across the Asian market.
The Motion Picture Association further connected Asian talent with Hollywood through the Bridge to Hollywood workshop, underscoring growing interest in cultivating Asian creatives.
BIFF’s New Calendar Slot and Market Evolution
Due to conflicts with the Korean holiday Chuseok, BIFF shifted its dates, impacting the international festival calendar. Despite these challenges, the Asian Contents & Film Market recorded its highest-ever participation, with a strong Asian presence balancing the reduced involvement of European companies.
ACFM’s head, Ellen Y.D. Kim, emphasized its evolution from a transactional market to a vibrant hub for innovation and collaboration in Asia’s content landscape, supported by initiatives like India’s first pavilion and Indonesia’s growing participation.
A Historic Transformation of the Competition Section
BIFF introduced its first competition section, merging existing programs to form a platform dedicated to Asian cinema. This transformation, led by festival director Jung Hanseok, involved a prestigious jury and trophies created by Palme d’Or winner Apichatpong Weerasethakul, adding artistic significance.
The competition format, highlighted by a grand prize winner closing the festival, drew significant attention, positioning it as a central event in the festival lineup.
Unmatched Star Presence
BIFF 2025 showcased an extraordinary assemblage of stars, boosting its attendance to 238,697. High-profile guests like Blackpink‘s Lisa, Michael Mann, and Guillermo del Toro captivated audiences, while the festival celebrated achievements with notable awards.
The opening ceremony sparkled with energy, driven by successful talents from “Squid Game” and other prominent productions. Interactive sessions, master classes, and the Actors’ House program enriched the festival experience, underscoring BIFF’s role as a pivotal platform for Asian cinema amidst unfolding challenges.
