jasdooit

The Grand Prize of the ‘Busan Award,’ the highest recognition in the newly created competitive category at the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) following three decades, was given to Chinese filmmaker Zhang Lu’s movie *Luomu’s Twilight*. During his acceptance speech, Zhang mentioned, “I participated in the 10th Busan International Film Festival and have come back to this stage 20 years later,” and added, “I will be here again during BIFF’s 100th anniversary year,” which earned enthusiastic applause.

The recipients of the ‘Busan Award,’ including the top honor, were unveiled on the 26th during the closing event of the 30th Busan International Film Festival, which took place at the Outdoor Theater of the Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae-gu. The ceremony, hosted by actor Suhyun, announced the winners of the Grand Prize, Director’s Award, Jury Special Award, Actor’s Award, and Art Contribution Award from among 14 Asian films competing in the festival’s competition category.

The Director’s Award was presented to actor-turned-director Seo Gi for his first film *Girl*, which tackles the issue of domestic violence. While on stage, Seo stated, “Thanks to all of you, I have found inspiration for my filmmaking path,” and continued, “I want to encourage all girls to courageously come forward.”

Juliette Binoche, an actress who made a return to Busan after 15 years, handed out the Actor’s Award. The winner was Lee Ji-won for her performance in *The Road to Erase* (directed by Yoo Jae-in). Lee, who portrayed the daughter of Kwon Sang-woo in *Hitman 2*, mentioned during her speech, “On my way here, my father said, ‘You never know, so it’s best to have an acceptance speech ready.’ My reply was, ‘No, I just plan to eat something tasty and come back,’ but from now on, I will take my father’s advice seriously.” Japanese actors Hayashi Yuta, Ayano Go, and Kitamura Takumi, who appeared in *Who Is the Fool?* (directed by Kotaro Nagata), also jointly received the Actor’s Award.

The Jury Special Award was given to Han Chang-rok, the director of *Chungchungchung*, a first-time film that delves into the challenges faced by young people in a bizarre world. The Art Contribution Award, which recognizes exceptional work in areas beyond directing and acting, was awarded to Liu Chang and Tunan, the art directors of *Wilderness Era* (directed by Bi Gan).

This year’s ‘Busan Award’ jury included seven individuals, among them chairperson Na Hong-jin, director Kogonada, and actors Han Hyo-joo and Tony Leung Chiu-wai. At a press conference held earlier that day, BIFF Executive Chairman Jeong Han-seok remarked, “The jury members conducted thorough and intense discussions to arrive at their decisions,” and added, “I believe we have made a positive first step.” The recipients of the ‘Busan Award’ were presented with trophies created by Thai filmmaker Apichatpong Weerasethakul, who has had a long association with BIFF since his first feature film *Dear…* in 2002. The trophy’s design embodies the movement of Haeundae’s shoreline, capturing light as it gathers.

The 30th BIFF ended its 10-day program on the same day. For this year’s event, 241 films were officially invited, drawing a total of 162,405 attendees.