Zhang Yimou will chair the main competition jury at this year's Busan International Film Festival, marking a significant development for the festival.
Chinese filmmaker Zhang Yimou has been confirmed as the head of the competition jury for the upcoming Busan International Film Festival. This announcement, reported by The Hollywood Reporter, highlights Yimou’s pivotal role as he leads a panel of seven diverse luminaries from the film industry, set to judge films during this prestigious festival.
Joining Zhang Yimou on the jury are six other esteemed figures: Chinese auteur Bi Gan, celebrated Korean actor Moon Choi, noted Japanese director Kei Ishikawa, Korean filmmaker July Jung, Vietnamese producer Tran Thi Bich Ngoc, and Kazakh actress Samal Yeslyamova. This diverse composition is expected to enhance the evaluation of the 13 films selected for the second year of the main competition section.
The formation of this jury reflects the festival’s commitment to showcasing talent and perspectives from across Asia. Previous winners from this festival include significant global films, amplifying the potential impact of this jury on the future of cinema.
Zhang Yimou is recognized not only as an acclaimed filmmaker but also as a major influence in Asian cinema. He boasts numerous awards, including the Golden Bear for his directorial debut, Red Sorghum, in 1988, and prestigious titles like the Golden Lion for The Story of Qiu Ju and Not One Less. His financial successes, such as Hero, which grossed around $177 million worldwide, and the recent Full River Red, which earned $670 million globally, underscore his legacy of artistry and commercial success. Zhang has a longstanding relationship with the Busan Film Festival, having previously opened it in 2010 with his romantic drama Under the Hawthorn Tree.
The Busan International Film Festival is one of the most significant film festivals in Asia. Launched in 1996, it became a prominent platform for films from the Asia-Pacific region. The festival introduced its Competition section in 2025 as part of restructuring efforts. The jury's activities will culminate in the Busan Awards, which will honor films in five key categories, including best film and best director.
Each jury member brings a wealth of experience from their respective fields:
The Busan International Film Festival is slated to run from October 6 to 15, coinciding with the Asian Contents & Film Market from October 10 to 13. The outcomes of this jury’s evaluations will celebrate artistic achievements and may shape the careers of featured filmmakers. This year’s festival continues to underscore Busan’s prominence in the festival circuit, impacting global perceptions of Asian cinema.
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