BUSAN — The 30th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) officially opened its doors on Wednesday, marking the beginning of a ten-day cinematic celebration. The festival, themed "The Sea Dyed with Films," will welcome filmmakers, industry professionals, and audiences from around the globe to the coastal city.

The festivities began with a grand opening ceremony at the Busan Cinema Center's outdoor theater, hosted by acclaimed actor Lee Byung-hun. The highly anticipated opening film was "Inevitable," the latest work from renowned director Park Chan-wook. The film, which has already garnered attention at the Venice and Toronto International Film Festivals, will have its Asian debut here in Busan.

This year’s BIFF is the largest to date, featuring a total of 328 films, including those from official and affiliated programs—a notable increase from the previous year. To expand its reach and solidify its role as a premier Asian film event, the festival has introduced a new competitive section called the "Busan Award." This inaugural competition will showcase 14 major Asian films and award prizes for Grand Prize, Best Director, Jury Special Prize, Best Actor, and Artistic Contribution.

The diverse lineup of films vying for the new award includes "A Trip and Every Day" (starring Shim Eun-kyung), "7 AM Breakfast Meeting for the Broken-Hearted," and "The Twilight of Ruomu," directed by acclaimed filmmaker Zhang Lu. The competition also features the directorial debut of Taiwanese actress Shu Qi, "The Girl," and the Sri Lankan film "Spy Star" by Vimukthi Jayasundara.

In a special tribute to its 30th anniversary, BIFF has expanded its programming with dedicated sections to honor cinematic greats. This year, the festival will highlight the works of Italian master Marco Bellocchio and French actress Juliette Binoche. The popular Icons section, which features recent works from some of the world’s most celebrated directors, has also been expanded to a record 33 films.

The festival will also host a special sing-along screening of the Netflix hit "K-pop Demon Hunters" at the Dongseo University Sohyang Theater, offering a unique and interactive experience for fans.

The red carpet will be star-studded, with an impressive list of attendees including directors Jia Zhangke, Johnnie To, Tsai Ming-liang, Michael Mann, and Guillermo del Toro. The event will also be graced by celebrated actors and actresses like Ken Watanabe, Hidetoshi Nishijima, Shu Qi, Gwei Lun-mei, and Greg Hsu.

Beyond the screenings, BIFF is enhancing its engagement with audiences through expanded programs such as Master Classes, Community BIFF, and BIFF in the Neighborhood, providing opportunities for creators and fans to connect.

The festival will culminate on September 26 with a closing ceremony where the winners of the newly introduced "Busan Award" will be announced live. Unlike previous years, the awards will be presented by some of the most prominent figures in the film industry, promising a memorable conclusion to the 30th anniversary celebration.