Renowned Indian filmmaker and actor Nandita Das has been appointed as one of the seven jury members for the newly introduced Competition section and the ‘Busan Award’ at the 30th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), set to take place from September 17 to 26 in Busan, South Korea.
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Das, known for her socially conscious storytelling and critically acclaimed films such as ‘Firaaq’ and ‘Manto,’ brings her extensive experience to a distinguished international jury. With a career spanning over 40 films in 10 languages and multiple jury stints at top festivals including Cannes, she adds significant global perspective to the panel.
After the official announcement, Nandita Das took to Instagram to share her excitement about returning to Busan—this time, not as a filmmaker or awardee, but as a jury member. She described the experience as “a burst of creative stimulus” amid life’s many stresses, expressing her anticipation for “watching good films in a pin drop dark hall” and engaging in spirited jury deliberations. She also spoke warmly of reconnecting with fellow filmmakers and friends from around the world, promising to share “precious nuggets” from her time at the festival.
Here’s what she shared:
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Alongside Das, the jury for the newly launched section brings together a diverse and accomplished group of filmmakers, actors, and producers from around the world. Leading the panel as Jury President is acclaimed Korean director Na Hong-jin, known for his genre-defying films ‘The Chaser,’ ‘The Yellow Sea,’ and ‘The Wailing.’ Joining him is Tony Leung Ka-fai, one of Hong Kong’s most celebrated actors with a career spanning over 200 films. Iranian filmmaker Marziyeh Meshkiny, a key figure in the Iranian New Wave, brings her poetic and socially conscious storytelling to the panel. American director Kogonada, acclaimed for ‘Columbus’ and ‘After Yang,’ adds a distinct auteur voice. From Indonesia, prolific producer Yulia Evina Bhara contributes her deep experience in championing Southeast Asian cinema. Rounding out the panel is Han Hyo-joo, one of Korea’s leading actresses, known for her versatile performances and growing global recognition.
Festival Director Jung Hanseok emphasized the importance of a diverse and visionary jury for the debut of this section. He stated:
“Since this is a newly launched section, we sought to appoint jury members with discerning eyes, bold perspectives, and international influence. To broaden the scope of deliberation, the Busan International Film Festival has expanded the panel from five to seven members this year. I am genuinely looking forward to seeing which of the year’s most outstanding Asian films will be selected by these distinguished members, led by Jury President Na Hong-Jin.”
The Competition section and the ‘Busan Award’ will include five categories: Best Film, Best Director, Special Jury Prize, Best Actor, and Artistic Contribution, with trophy and a total prize money amounting to KRW 110 million.
With the announcement of this high-profile jury, anticipation is building for BIFF’s milestone 30th edition, which will celebrate the vitality and future of Asian cinema at venues across Busan.
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