# Busan International Film Festival programming and history

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/busan-international-film-festival-programming-and-history
> Updated: 2026-09-30T06:02:37.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 2.

The Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) has highlighted its role in celebrating diverse cinematic traditions and supporting the industry. The 31st edition of the festival announced a special program dedicated to Japanese animation, featuring 13 films that span a century of history. This program includes the work of animation master Rintaro, marking his first visit to Korea in 17 years, alongside several next-generation directors. Featured titles range from the 1958 landmark “The White Snake Enchantress” to the 1973 experimental film “Belladonna of Sadness.”

Reflecting on its three-decade history since its 1996 inception, the festival has established itself as a major global gathering for Asian cinema. BIFF serves as a platform for networking and education, specifically aiming to support independent and regional filmmakers by providing visibility to non-mainstream productions.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-30: Busan International Film Festival celebrates three decades of Asian cinema

The Busan International Film Festival serves as a major Asian cinematic hub, providing a vital platform for independent and regional filmmakers to reach global audiences.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/busan-international-film-festival-celebrates-three-decades-of-asian-cinema

### 2026-08-31: Busan International Film Festival announces Japanese animation special

The Busan International Film Festival has unveiled a 13-film Japanese Animation Special, featuring animation master Rintaro and a selection of historical classics and new releases.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/busan-international-film-festival-announces-japanese-animation-special

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Cite as: Busan International Film Festival programming and history. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/busan-international-film-festival-programming-and-history