Zhang Yimou to Lead Busan Film Festival Competition Jury

The Busan International Film Festival has announced its main competition jury for this year’s festival, led by Chinese filmmaking legend Zhang Yimou. The panel of seven industry professionals will judge the 13 films competing for top honors.

Zhang’s connection to Busan dates back to 2010, when his romantic drama Under the Hawthorn Tree opened the festival. His directorial debut, Red Sorghum, won the Golden Bear in Berlin in 1988, and he has since maintained a presence in the Asian film scene with films like Hero and Full River Red.

The jury includes Bi Gan, a young Chinese director who made waves with his Cannes-winning film Resurrection last year. Other notable filmmakers from across Asia on the panel include Kei Ishikawa, July Jung, Tran Thi Bich Ngoc, Moon Choi, and Samal Yeslyamova.

Busan launched its Competition section in 2025 as part of a broader restructuring of the festival. The new format has been met with both praise and criticism from industry insiders, who argue that it has shifted the focus away from emerging filmmakers towards more established names. Awards will be handed out in five categories: best film, best director, special jury prize, best actor, and artistic contribution.

Zhang Yimou’s presence at Busan is a testament to his enduring influence on Asian cinema. However, it also highlights the challenges facing emerging filmmakers who are trying to break into the industry. As the festival continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how it balances its commitment to showcasing established talent with its support for new voices.

The 31st Busan International Film Festival runs from October 6-15, with the Asian Contents & Film Market taking place from October 10-13. The inclusion of Zhang Yimou at the helm of the main competition jury has sparked debate about the festival’s priorities, with some arguing that his presence signals a renewed focus on commercial success and others seeing it as an opportunity to showcase Asian cinema’s artistic potential.

The Competition section has been met with criticism from some quarters, who argue that it has created a new tier of filmmakers competing for recognition alongside established names. This raises questions about the festival’s commitment to supporting emerging talent and promoting regional diversity.

Zhang Yimou’s return to Busan promises to be an exciting event, but as the festival continues to evolve, it will be worth keeping a close eye on how it balances its commitment to showcasing established talent with its support for new voices. The festival’s growing influence in the global film industry also presents opportunities for regional diversity and emerging talent to shine.

Ultimately, Zhang Yimou’s presence at Busan serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges facing emerging filmmakers in Asia. As the festival continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how it addresses these challenges and promotes regional diversity alongside established talent.