Five Vietnamese films have been selected for the 31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), which opened in Busan, the Republic of Korea, on October 6.

Nguyen Phan Quang Binh’s “Ho linh trang si” (Spirit Guardians: The Last Secret of the First Emperor) is featured in A Window on Asian Cinema. (Photo published by VNA)

This year’s festival marks a major milestone as BIFF has been recognised by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF) as one of the world’s leading “A-list” film festivals.

According to the festival’s organisers, BIFF is among 17 leading festivals recognised by FIAPF, alongside Cannes, Berlin and Venice.

It has also been included by the US Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences among six festivals whose award-winning films are eligible for consideration for the Oscar for Best International Feature Film, further enhancing BIFF’s international influence.

This year’s 10-day event features 247 films from 59 countries and territories, the highest number since 2019, including 95 world premieres.

Fourteen films from the Republic of Korea, Japan, China, Indonesia, Iran, Taiwan (China) and Uzbekistan are competing for the Busan Award, with a seven-member jury headed by renowned Chinese director Zhang Yimou.

Vietnamese cinema is represented in four sections – the largest number featuring Vietnamese works to date.

Director Nguyen Hoang Diep’s “1982” is competing in the Vision-Asia section.

Ham Tran’s “Soi chi do” (Red Thread/The Third Eye) will have its world premiere in the Midnight Passion, while Le Bao’s “Thinh giac” (Hearing) and Nguyen Phan Quang Binh’s “Ho linh trang si” (Spirit Guardians: The Last Secret of the First Emperor) are featured in A Window on Asian Cinema.

Nong Nhat Quang’s “Em be dong bong, em be ngao nghe, em be dau long” (Baby Jackfruit Baby Guava) will be screened in the Wide Angle: Documentary Showcase.

The festival will also honour Malaysian actress Michelle Yeoh as Asian Filmmaker of the Year, while Hong Kong (China) director Ann Hui will receive the Camellia Award for her long-standing contributions to advancing women’s roles in cinema.

The Asian Contents & Film Market will be held from October 10 to 13, providing a platform for filmmakers, investors and distributors to connect and expand international cooperation.

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The photo exhibition featured vivid images of Vietnam's majestic natural scenery, rich cultural heritage, distinctive customs and centuries-old traditional craft villages.

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During the five-day programme, organisers will screen a total of 14 films, including three Swedish feature films and 11 Vietnamese animated films for children under the age of 16.

 

Vietnamese movie earns Best Director Award at Asian Art Film Festival

The award ceremony took place on May 21 in Macau (China), where the film stood out for its authentic setting, refined cinematography and understated storytelling. The jury praised Leon Le’s direction for its emotional depth and visual sensitivity, which together helped the film resonate strongly with audiences.

 

Vietnamese films attract global spotlight at Cannes film market 2026

On the market’s opening day, Deadline published an article titled “Vietnam's Bluebells Studios Unveils Trio Of Theatrical Pics As ‘Phi Phong: The Blood Demon’ Breaks Records”, describing Vietnam as one of Southeast Asia’s most promising film markets.