Busan International Short Film Festival returns with sound-focused theme
South Korea's oldest and longest-running short film festival returns Thursday for its 42nd edition, featuring 157 films from 41 countries at Busan Cinema Center and BNK Busan Bank Art Cinema through April 29.
This year's edition explores cinema's sonic elements under the theme "Cinema & Sound," focusing on dialogue, sound effects and music as core components of short films. The competitive lineup features two main categories: the International Competition with 40 entries from overseas and the Korean Competition showcasing 20 domestic works.
The festival opens with three international selections: "Lanawaru," created by Colombian filmmaker Angello Faccini through collaboration with indigenous Amazon communities; "Across the Waters" from Berlin-based Chinese director Viv Li, set in a remote Chinese mining town; and "El Casco de Carlos" ("The Helmet") by Mexican director Franz Eichelmann Kaiser, which uses a US military helmet as a central motif to explore themes of loss along the Korean border.
Wednesday's pre-festival performance at BNK Busan Bank's Ocean Hall will showcase Colombian dancer Jhonatan Jimenez, recipient of Colombia's Medal of Honor, presenting a blend of traditional and contemporary dance. Singer-songwriter Kim Sa-wol's music video will also screen during the event.
Founded in 1980 as the Korean Short Film Festival, BISFF has established itself as a crucial platform for short cinema in the region. The festival receives backing from Busan City and operates independently from the larger Busan International Film Festival held each fall, focusing exclusively on films under 30 minutes.
BISFF is also a significant gateway to major awards. Winners may qualify for consideration in Academy Awards categories, as well as BAFTA and Canadian Screen Awards.
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