The organizing committee for the 31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) has released the schedule for its primary audience engagement programs, including the Open Talk, Outdoor Stage Greeting, and Talk-to-Talk series. These events, designed to facilitate direct interaction between cinema-goers and creators, will take place at the Busan Cinema Center Roof Theater and the HANMAC Smooooth Lounge throughout the festival.
Highlighting the diverse roster of guests are acclaimed actors Hyun Bin and Lee Min-ho, along with French legend Isabelle Huppert. The Open Talk series officially kicks off on October 7, headlined by director Lee Chang-dong and a cast comprising Jeon Do-yeon, Sul Kyung-gu, Zo In-sung, and Cho Yeo-jeong for their film “Possible Love.” That same day, the event will also feature the creative team behind “Cattle Run” and “The Table: Day and Night,” bringing together directors and ensemble casts from both productions.
Programming continues through October 13, with sessions scheduled for films such as “Sapiens,” “Dead-End Job,” “The Blue Road,” and “Ugly Duckling Ms. Maeng.” A special “BIFF Discoveries: Rising New Talents” panel on October 10 will spotlight emerging actors Jeon So-young and Kim Dong-hwi, as well as Sim Su-bin. The Open Talk schedule concludes with a discussion between Isabelle Huppert and director Marc Fitoussi regarding their collaborative project, “All About Corinne.”
Meanwhile, the Outdoor Stage Greeting program runs from October 7 through October 11, showcasing dozens of film titles. Key appearances include actress Moon Choi and actor Son Sukku for “Bedford Park,” as well as Yokohama Ryusei for “You, Like a Star.” Major industry figures such as director Hur Jin-ho will appear with Yoo Hai-jin, Park Hae-il, and Lee Min-ho for “The Assassin(s),” while Hyun Bin, Jung Woo-sung, and Woo Do-hwan are set to join director Woo Min-ho for discussions on “Made In Korea” Season 2. Additionally, renowned director Kore-eda Hirokazu will present “Look Back” on the opening day of the greeting sessions.
Wait, I thought the outdoor greetings were canceled due to budget cuts? Are these numbers reliable, or just old promo material?
Really curious to see how Isabelle Huppert engages with the Korean audience. Her presence adds such prestige to the festival’s program.
Hyun Bin and Lee Min-ho together? I’m definitely camping out for that greeting. This lineup is absolutely incredible!