Busan International Film Festival crowns Li Yun-chan Best Director

The 31st Busan International Film Festival concluded with several major awards. Taiwanese director Li Yun-chan won the Best Director award for her film ‘Useful People’, which explores human nature and tolerance within a family following a car accident. During her acceptance speech, Li expressed her gratitude to the festival and her cast, noting she wore the same dress she wore to the festival 20 years ago.

Other major winners included Iranian director Majid Majidi, who received the Network for Asian Connected Cinema (NETPAC) Award for ‘Midday Meal’. Zhou Xun won Best Actress for ‘First Taste of Loneliness’, and 16-year-old Japanese actress Himeno Kaharu received the award for ‘Satoko Always’.

The closing ceremony featured various celebrities, including Shu Qi, who presented the Best Director award, and Zhang Yimou, who served as the jury president. Im Si-wan served as the ceremony's host.