The Busan International Film Festival will feature Doc Square 2026 and Yim Siwan as the closing ceremony host this October.
The Asian Contents & Film Market (ACFM) will present Doc Square 2026 from October 10-13, 2026, during the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF). This initiative connects Asian documentary creators with industry professionals across five countries. The announcement was reported by Variety on September 4, 2026.
Doc Square was launched last year by ACFM, serving as a platform to showcase documentary projects at various production stages in Asia. This year’s edition includes participation from eight partner organizations, enhancing networking opportunities for filmmakers.
In 2026, the Doc Square will host its Documentary WIP Showcase as part of the Asian Network of Documentary (AND) Fund. Eight partner organizations from Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Indonesia, and the Philippines will be involved. Notably, the Newstapa Foundation and Japan's J-Docs Hub are new participants this year, joining returning partners like Taiwan Docs and the Film Development Council of the Philippines. This initiative features 16 works-in-progress documentaries pitching to festival programmers, sales companies, and distributors over the first two days, which is crucial for securing future completion and release opportunities.
Beyond the showcase, two new awards will be presented: the Impact Asia Award and the Newstapa Award. Each of the Impact Asia Award winners will receive $5,000, while the Newstapa Award winner will be granted KRW 10 million (approximately $7,400), along with a chance for a 60-minute cut to stream on Newstapa’s platforms. Winners will be announced during the ACFM Awards Ceremony on October 13.
As part of Doc Square, ACFM will host Asia's inaugural Impact Day on October 10. This unique program aims to explore the societal effects of documentary screenings. Case studies from countries, including Korea and Japan, will culminate in an 80-page report available on-site. These studies will examine the transformative potential of documentaries in educational and sociocultural contexts.
Additional sessions during Doc Square will include discussions on co-production, funding strategies, and festival planning. These initiatives aim to enrich the experience and chances of success for documentary filmmakers.
In addition to its documentary focus, actor Yim Siwan has been named the sole host for the 31st BIFF closing ceremony. This role marks significant recognition for Yim, whose career has flourished across both television and film since his debut in 2012. His involvement adds excitement to the festival, where the Busan Awards will also be presented.
The Busan International Film Festival is scheduled to run from October 6 to 15, 2026, at the Busan Cinema Center and various locations around Busan. The ACFM is set to be a key event within this framework, focusing on the growth and visibility of the documentary genre in Asia.
The introduction of Doc Square underscores ACFM's commitment to supporting Asian documentary filmmakers and improving their connection to industry resources. This development is significant for the future of documentaries in the region, enhancing the festival experience while providing avenues for funding and networking. Yim Siwan's role as the closing ceremony host further elevates the festival's profile, potentially drawing attention to the important works presented in this year’s lineup.
For more about industry developments, check out our reports on the Venice Production Bridge and Anna Foglietta's Premier at the Venice Film Festival.
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