# Busan International Film Festival > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/busan-international-film-festival > Updated: 2026-10-05T17:32:39.000Z. Sources: 28. Developments: 2. The 31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) has officially opened at the Busan Cinema Center in South Korea, running from October 6 to October 15, 2026. This edition marks a significant institutional milestone, having received ‘A-list’ accreditation from the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF), placing it alongside prestigious festivals such as Cannes, Berlin, and Venice. Further elevating its global standing, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has designated BIFF as one of only six festivals whose top winners are eligible for consideration in the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film category. The festival features an extensive lineup of 247 films from 59 countries, including 95 world premieres, representing the largest selection since 2019. The competition section is overseen by a seven-member jury chaired by director Zhang Yimou, who will select winners from 14 shortlisted films representing nations such as South Korea, Japan, China, Indonesia, Iran, Taiwan, and Uzbekistan. Programming highlights include a strong emphasis on contemporary animation, featuring a 13-film Japanese animation special exhibition. Notable honorees include Michelle Yeoh, who will receive the Asian Filmmaker Award, and director Ann Hui, who is set to be honored with the Camellia Award. High-profile red carpet appearances from international stars, including Fan Bingbing—who discussed the limitations of AI in acting—and Hirokazu Kore-eda, who presented his film ‘Look Back,’ have further highlighted the event’s growing global influence in shaping Asian cinema. ## Claims - The Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) has been recognized as an 'A-list' festival by the FIAPF. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has added BIFF to a list of six festivals whose winners are eligible for Oscar consideration in the Best International Feature Film category. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The 31st Busan International Film Festival is scheduled to run from October 6 to October 15, 2026. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The 31st BIFF features 247 films from 59 different countries. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Director Zhang Yimou is serving as the jury president for the festival's competition section. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Director Hirokazu Kore-eda presented his film 'Look Back' at the festival. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Actress Pan Bingbing attended the festival and commented that AI cannot replace the emotions and skills of human actors. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Michelle Yeoh and Ann Hui are scheduled to receive awards at the festival. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-05: Busan International Film Festival opens with A-list status and Oscar eligibility The 31st Busan International Film Festival has opened in South Korea, now recognized as an 'A-list' festival with Oscar eligibility for its top competition winners. 27 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/busan-international-film-festival-opens-31st-edition ### 2026-09-17: Bucheon International Comics Festival opens in South Korea The 29th Bucheon International Comics Festival opened on September 18, featuring cosplay competitions, webtoon industry fairs, and international exhibitions at the Korea Manhwa Museum. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bucheon-international-comics-festival-opens-in-south-korea --- Cite as: Busan International Film Festival. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/busan-international-film-festival