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In one line
Annecy sci-fi animation ‘Pilgrims’ landed a sales deal with EST N8 at the Busan festival’s market, expanding the film’s reach for international buyers and fans.
⚡ Latest developments
- Oct 9 Annecy sci-fi animation ‘Pilgrims’ landed a sales deal with EST N8 at the Busan festival’s market, expanding the film’s reach for international buyers and fans.
- Oct 9 Actor Lee Yi-kyung joined a Busan International Film Festival open talk, responding to cheers from fans attending the festival.
What this means for viewers
- Check the festival schedule before heading out: guest events like open talks and stage greetings were announced a day or two ahead.
- The ‘The Assassin(s)’ events were canceled after a controversy, so don’t plan around that film’s appearances.
- Surprise appearances have happened — including Hyun Bin and Lee Jae-wook — so arriving early at events improves your odds.
- If you’re in Busan for the festival, use our Busan guide for getting around and what’s nearby.
01 What happened
| Where | Busan, South Korea, at venues for the 31st Busan International Film Festival and its ACFM market. |
|---|---|
| What | Screenings, red carpets, masterclasses and open talks are underway. Michelle Yeoh, Ann Hui and Alfonso Cuarón were honored or appeared; several stars made surprise visits. |
02 Why it is happening
BIFF is a major Asian cinema showcase, and this edition was elevated to A-list festival status. That, plus honors for Michelle Yeoh and Ann Hui and a Global Master role for Alfonso Cuarón, drew high-profile guests and international buyers.
03 How it has unfolded
- Oct 9 UpdateAnnecy sci-fi animation ‘Pilgrims’ landed a sales deal with EST N8 at the Busan festival’s market, expanding the film’s reach for international buyers and fans. — Variety
- Oct 9 UpdateActor Lee Yi-kyung joined a Busan International Film Festival open talk, responding to cheers from fans attending the festival. — Chosunbiz
- Oct 9 NewVietnam’s Mockingbird launched a horror duo and the comedy drama ‘The Happiest Cell’ at Busan’s ACFM market. — Deadline
- Oct 8 UpdateDirector Alfonso Cuarón was welcomed as a Global Master at the 31st Busan International Film Festival, offering international visitors a chance to see him at festival events. — Korea JoongAng Daily, news.sbs.co.kr
- Oct 8 ResponseViewers at the festival were divided over the ‘The Assassin(s)’ controversy, following the cancellation of its events. — The Korea Times
- Oct 7 UpdateBedford Park held an outdoor stage greeting at the Busan International Film Festival, giving attendees an in-person appearance. — Chosunbiz
- Oct 7 UpdateDirector Lee Chang-dong greeted audiences at the festival for ‘Possible Love’, giving fans an in-person appearance. — Chosunbiz, news.sbs.co.kr
- Oct 7 UpdateSouth Korean actress Roh Jung-eui appeared at the Busan International Film Festival. — Yonhap News Agency
Earlier (4)
- Oct 7 UpdateSouth Korean actress Ryu Hyun-kyung appeared at the Busan International Film Festival. — Yonhap News Agency
- Oct 6 DatesThe Busan International Film Festival opened with a star-studded red carpet and opening film ‘The Table: Day and Night,’ attended by Kim Min-ha, Shim Eun-kyung and other cast members. — Korea JoongAng Daily, The Korea Herald
- Oct 6 UpdateBIFF elevated to A-list festival status, while events for ‘The Assassin(s)’ were canceled at the festival. — The Korea Times, SBS 뉴스
- Oct 6 UpdateMichelle Yeoh and Ann Hui were honored at the festival for their contributions to Asian cinema; Yeoh visited Busan for the first time in 15 years. — Deadline, 巴士的報
04 Who is reporting it
- [Photo] Lee Yi-kyung joins Busan International Film Festival open talk, responds to cheers – CHOSUNBIZ — Chosunbiz, Oct 9
- Annecy Sci-Fi Animation ‘Pilgrims’ lands at EST N8 — Variety, Oct 9
- Vietnam’s Mockingbird Launches Horror Duo & Comedy Drama ‘The Happiest Cell’ At Busan’s ACFM — Deadline, Oct 9
- ‘Bedford Park’ director tells Korean American story she wanted to see — Yonhap News Agency, Oct 8
- Charlotte Gainsbourg on Listening to ‘Controversial’ Kanye West and Working With ‘Tortured’ Lars von Trier at Busan — Variety, Oct 8
- ‘About an Intimate Matter’: Sandeep Kumar Paul’s Bengali Queer Drama Premiering at Busan 2026 — The Hollywood Reporter India, Oct 8
- ‘The Assassin(s)’ controversy divides viewers at Busan film festival — The Korea Times, Oct 8
- Michelle Yeoh looks back on journey to Hollywood at Busan International Film Festival — The Straits Times, Oct 8
- Fan Bingbing becomes an old man’s sexual fantasy in her latest film. She knows it’s not for everyone — The Straits Times, Oct 8
- Korean filmmakers urge politicians to let audiences judge amid ‘The Assassin(s)’ row — The Korea Times, Oct 8
- Alfonso Cuarón & Jonás Cuarón On Future Of Cinema: “The Theatrical Experience Will Continue, But It Will Coexist With Many Different Forms” — Deadline, Oct 8
- Na Hong-Jin Traces ‘The Chaser,’ ‘The Wailing’ and ‘Hope’ to Bar Talk, Shamans and War Fears at Busan Masterclass — Variety, Oct 8
92 more reports tracked.
05 Our guides on this
Questions people ask
Which big stars are at Busan this year?
Alfonso Cuarón (Global Master), Michelle Yeoh and Ann Hui (honored), plus appearances by Lee Yi-kyung, Roh Jung-eui, Ryu Hyun-kyung, Hyun Bin and Lee Jae-wook.
What is the ‘The Assassin(s)’ controversy?
Events for the film were canceled at the festival, and viewers were divided over it. Korean filmmakers urged politicians to let audiences judge the row. No further resolution has been announced.
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