Zhang Yimou to Lead Busan Competition Jury
Zhang Yimou will preside over the main competition jury at the 31st Busan International Film Festival, which runs Oct. 6-15. The seven-member panel will judge 13 films in only the second edition of the festival's main competition section, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The jury brings together filmmakers, performers and a producer from across Asia and beyond. Chinese auteur Bi Gan, Japanese director Kei Ishikawa and Korean filmmaker July Jung will serve alongside Kazakh actor Samal Yeslyamova, Korean actress Moon Choi and Vietnamese producer Tran Thi Bich Ngoc, with Zhang as chair.
Busan launched its Competition section in 2025. The jury will hand out Busan Awards in five categories: best film, best director, special jury prize, best actor and artistic contribution.
The festival has also set its Actors' House lineup, a series of public talks with leading Korean screen stars. All sessions are listed for the Culture Hall on the 9th floor of Shinsegae Centum City, according to BIFF.
Lee Minho opens the series on Oct. 7. Kim Go-eun and Kim Min-ha follow on Oct. 8. Ryu Seung-ryong and Ju Ji-hoon are scheduled for Oct. 9, with Shin Mina closing the announced run on the same weekend.
What makes this stand out is the pairing. The competition puts established names in the judging room. The Actors' House puts familiar faces in front of the audience. For fans, this means a rare chance to hear actors discuss craft at length, away from a premiere red carpet.
