The 31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) has announced a special program dedicated to the late Korean cinema icon Ahn Sung-ki, while its market division has selected Thailand as the first recipient of a new top-level country partnership.
“Those Beautiful Years, Ahn Sung-ki” concludes a nationwide celebration of the acclaimed actor, who passed away earlier this year. The retrospective showcases six films personally curated by Ahn prior to his death, highlighting his most influential period during the 1980s and 1990s. The program includes “A Fine, Windy Day” (1980), “Whale Hunting” (1984), “Chil-su and Man-su” (1988), “Gagman” (1989), “White Badge” (1992), and “Festival” (1996). Each screening will feature special guest appearances by Ahn’s longtime collaborators, including directors Lee Jang-ho, Bae Chang-ho, and Chung Ji-young, as well as actors Kim Bo-Young and Bae Jong-ok. BIFF will also release an essay collection examining Ahn’s cinematic contributions, organized in collaboration with the Korean Film Archive. Over nearly seven decades, Ahn built an extraordinary legacy from his 1957 debut as a child actor to becoming a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and dedicated member of the BIFF committee.
Meanwhile, the Asian Contents & Film Market (ACFM) has introduced a new Country of Honor initiative, designating Thailand as its first honoree for 2026. This recognition reflects the strong historical connections between the two regions, exemplified by works such as Pen-ek Ratanaruang’s “Ploy,” selected for the Pusan Promotion Plan in 2006, and Aditya Assarat’s “Wonderful Town,” which received the New Currents award at the festival in 2007. The Thai film industry attracted over 540 international productions last year, supported in part by tax incentives offering rebates of up to 30% for qualifying projects.
Chookiat Sakveerakul, president of the Thai Film Directors Association, expressed his gratitude: “Thailand is deeply honored to be named the first Country of Honor at ACFM 2026.” He noted that the partnership would “create new opportunities for Thai films and content to reach broader international audiences while strengthening collaboration between Thailand, South Korea, and industry professionals worldwide.”
The 31st Busan International Film Festival takes place from October 6-15, with the 21st Asian Contents & Film Market running from October 10-13.
