The 29th Busan International Film Festival, running from October 2nd to October 11th, has announced its selections for the prestigious Asian film competition sections, “New Currents” and “Jiseok”.

10 Films, 10 Unique Visions: The Future of Asian Cinema

New Currents is the flagship competition section of the Busan International Film Festival, spotlighting the first or second feature films of emerging Asian directors. This year, the section will showcase ten films, including two from South Korea.

The Korean films in the lineup are The Land of Morning Calm and Waterdrop. The Land of Morning Calm, directed by Park Ri-woong, who received critical acclaim for his debut film The Girl on a Bulldozer (2022), tells a gripping story about the mysterious disappearance of a young fisherman and an old captain’s involvement. Waterdrop, the debut feature by Choi Jongyong, depicts the intense and emotional journey of a 13-year-old left to fend for himself, blending suspense with a deep exploration of human emotions.

Other notable films in the “New Currents” section include:

• As the River Goes By by Charles Hu: A recipient of the Asian Cinema Fund’s post-production support in 2024, this film follows a young man retracing his father’s steps 12 years after his disappearance.
• Abel by Elzat Eskendir: A project initially selected in the Asian Project Market 2020, offering a raw depiction of political turmoil and the struggles of Abel, a farm worker.
• Montages of a Modern Motherhood by Oliver Siu Kuen Chan: This Hong Kong film explores the emotional rollercoaster of a new mother as she navigates the complexities of motherhood.
• The Height of the Coconut Trees by Du Jie: The first Japanese film by Chinese director Du Jie, who has previously worked as a cinematographer on major commercial films like Moon Man (2022).
• Kaneko’s Commissary by Furukawa Go: A Japanese narrative about a man with a violent past who undergoes a personal transformation.
• For Rana by Iman Yazdi: An Iranian film that tells the poignant story of parents struggling to secure a heart transplant for their daughter.
• MA – Cry of Silence by The Maw Naing: A story centered on a Burmese factory worker, touching on themes of trauma.
• Tale of the Land by Loeloe Hendra Komara: A film about the indigenous people of Borneo, Indonesia, dealing with their unique challenges.

Honoring Veteran Filmmakers: Jiseok Section

The Jiseok section celebrates the memory of Kim Jiseok, a senior programmer who was instrumental in promoting Asian cinema. This year’s lineup features eight films by veteran Asian directors, including two from Korea.

Highlights include:

• I Am Love by Baek Seungbin: A new feature from the director of Members of the Funeral (2009) and I Have a Date With Spring (2017), exploring the theme of pure yet perilous unrequited love.
• So It Goes by Lee Haram: A provocative film depicting a bizarre murder spree between a man and a woman, characterized by its unique genre-blending and visual style.
• Aimitagai by Kusano Shogo: A woman-centered Japanese film starring Haru Kuroki, known for Sleepeeer Hit! (2016) and Okiku and the World (2023).
• Traveling Alone by Ishibashi Yuho: The third feature from the director of When Morning Comes, I Feel Empty (2022), focusing on the lives of women.
• Motherland by Brillante Mendoza: A powerful depiction of the tragic Mamasapano incident in the southern Philippines, resulting in mass casualties.
• Deal at the Border by Dastan Zhapar Ryskeldi: A gripping story set at the Kyrgyzstan-Kazakhstan border, tackling themes of drug and human trafficking.
• Village Rockstars 2 by Rima Das: The sequel to Village Rockstars (2017), continuing the story of Dhunu as she becomes a guitarist and head of her family, blending realism with lyrical cinematography.
• Yen and Ai-Lee by Lin Tom Shu-Yu: A Taiwanese film that delves into the complex relationship between a mother and daughter who reconnect after eight years apart, featuring actors Yang Kuei-Mei and Hsia Kimi.

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