Pak Dosin, BIFF co-deputy director, said that selecting a film from an OTT platform (online streaming service) is a strategy to attract a wider audience and showcase the growing diversity of films on both traditional and OTT platforms.
This year’s BIFF features the highest number of film screenings in its nearly 30-year history. A total of 224 films from 63 countries have been officially invited to this year's festival, marking an 8% increase from last year.
To boost interest in documentaries and engage audiences, BIFF introduced a new audience-voted award this year called "Wide Angle." Staying true to its tradition since 1996, BIFF also continues to promote Asian cinema and foster interaction between film enthusiasts and industry professionals through events like seminars, outdoor gatherings, and ticketed conversations with actors at the "Actors' House."
The Special Program in Focus section will feature eight works by Miguel Gomes, who won the Best Director award at this year's Cannes Film Festival for "Grand Tour." The section will also honor the late "Parasite" actor Lee Sun-kyun, who passed away late last year. Six of his works, including an episode from the popular TV series "My Mister," will be screened in tribute to the beloved actor.