The Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) is all set to host its 30th edition and showcase a stellar lineup of films. BIFF recently announced the selection of titles for the newly expanded and renewed ‘Vision’ section.
Previously part of ‘Korean Cinema Today – Vision,’ this section has now been established as an independent program, dedicated to introducing new works from Korean and Asian independent cinema through ‘Vision-Korea’ and ‘Vision-Asia.’ With its broadened scope, the program aims to discover and support both emerging filmmakers and mid-career directors, while showcasing the vibrant diversity of Asian creative voices.
This year, 23 films have been selected in this category, including works from both Asian and Korean cinema, with India making a significant mark with its diverse and compelling narratives.
Let’s take a closer look at the Indian selections this year:
1. If on a Winter’s Night– Directed by Sanju Surendran
If on a Winter’s Night (Khidki Gaav) is a Malayalam fiction feature that “Portrays a couple from Kerala who lost their house during harsh winter days while trying settle down in Deli, building a bond amid challenges in a strange city.”
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Director, Sanju Surendran, acclaimed for both documentary and fiction, is a National Award-winning filmmaker whose works have been showcased at numerous film festivals around the world.
2. Kok Kok Kokoook – Directed by Maharshi Tuhin Kashyap
The Assamese film, Kok Kok Kokoook, sits at the crossroads of magic realism and horror, and “Follows a foreign worker’s anxiety and admiration after losing beloved motorcycle and sinking into obsession and confusion.”
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The film was developed as part of Maharshi Tuhin Kashyap’s final dissertation at the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute in Kolkata and draws on his background in children’s theater.
3. Shape of Momo – Directed by Tribeny Rai
Shape of Momo– the debut feature of the Sikkimese filmmaker Tribeny Rai– “Portrays a woman returns to her Himalaya hometown, agonizing between family, tradition, and conscience.”
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The film won the NFDC Film Bazaar Work-In-Progress Lab, and is also set to be screened at the Sebastián International Film Festival in September.
In addition to these thought-provoking films, an Indian auteur Anshul Chauhan — based in Japan and working across animation and live-action — has also been selected for his fourth feature- ‘Tiger.’
This year, the festival has also expanded the list of its awards to offer stronger support to filmmakers across Korea and Asia. One of these awards is the ‘International Film Festival of India – Vision Asia Award,’ which not only highlights the emerging talents of Indian filmmaking and cinema, but also amplifies their artistic voices in the global spotlight.
The 30th BIFF promises to be a stage to celebrate innovative cinema, opening new horizons for Korean and Asian independent films. It would be noteworthy to see how the Indian selections resonate with audiences worldwide and contribute their distinctive voices to the global stage.
The Busan International Film Festival will take place at the Busan Cinema Center from September 17 to September 26, 2025.
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