The 31st Busan International Film Festival Crowns Its First A-List Winners
Majid Majidi's Midday Meal wins the inaugural Busan Award for Best Film as BIFF enters a new era of international recognition.
By KFRAMED · · 4 min read · Festivals, Awards, Movies, Industry
The 31st Busan International Film Festival concluded on 15 October, marking one of the most important editions in the festival's history. For the first time, BIFF presented awards under its new FIAPF-accredited international competition, officially joining the world's A-list film festivals.
Iranian filmmaker Majid Majidi received the festival's highest honour for Midday Meal, making history as the first recipient of the new Busan Award for Best Film. The prize now carries direct significance beyond Busan, as it qualifies eligible winners for consideration in the Academy Awards' International Feature Film pathway.
Taiwanese filmmaker Lee Yun Chan won Best Director for To Be Ordinary, while Indonesian drama My Mother received the Special Jury Prize and The First Taste of Loneliness earned the Artistic Contribution Award.
The complete Busan Awards
- Best Film - Midday Meal
- Best Director - Lee Yun Chan
- Special Jury Prize - My Mother
- Artistic Contribution - The First Taste of Loneliness
Complete list of all the winners of Busan International Film Festival 31th edition
Busan Award & New Currents Award Winners Interview
A festival entering a new chapter
Rather than simply introducing another competition, BIFF's A-list accreditation fundamentally changes the festival's position within the international circuit. Alongside Cannes, Venice and Berlin, Busan now joins the small group of competitive festivals whose top prize carries significant global recognition and new opportunities for filmmakers.
The inaugural Competition jury was chaired by acclaimed Chinese filmmaker Zhang Yimou, alongside an international panel of filmmakers and actors reflecting BIFF's growing global stature.
Michelle Yeoh was honoured as Asian Filmmaker of the Year, recognising her outstanding contribution to Asian cinema across four decades.
Hong Kong filmmaker Ann Hui received the Camellia Award, while BIFF founder Kim Dong-ho was presented with the Korean Cinema Award for his lasting contribution to Korean cinema and the festival itself.