Busan Film Festival to Honor Jafar Panahi as Asian Filmmaker of the Year

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For the year 2025, the Busan International Film Festival has chosen Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi as their Asian Filmmaker of the Year. This recognition celebrates the director’s undying dedication and significant impact on both Asian and global cinematography.

During the inaugural event of BIFF’s 30th anniversary, taking place in the South Korean port city from September 17-26, Panahi will be awarded one of the festival’s most prestigious honors. This award is given yearly to an individual or group who has contributed significantly to the advancement of Asian cinema. Previous recipients include renowned artists and directors such as Kiyoshi Kurosawa, Hirokazu Kore-eda, Chow Yun-fat, Tony Leung, Ann Hui, Mohsen Makhmalbaf, Hou Hsiao-hsien, the late composer Ryuichi Sakamoto, and others.

Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi, a key figure in Iran’s New Wave cinema movement, gained recognition with his debut film “The White Balloon” (1995), which won Cannes’ Camera d’Or. Known for his rigorous filmmaking style and unflinching political commentary, Panahi has persisted in making films despite facing a ban from the government and multiple arrests. This year, at Cannes, Panahi’s film “It Was Just an Accident” (2025) won the Palme d’Or. Critics at the festival praised the film as a cleverly constructed revenge tale that subtly transforms into a strong indictment of abusive power and its lasting impact. Previously, Panahi has won the Golden Bear at the Berlin Film Festival for “Taxi” (2015) and the Golden Lion at Venice for “The Circle” (2000), making him the first Asian director to win the top prize at all three major European film festivals.

Receiving the Palme d’Or at the Cannes event, Panahi expressed: “In a period when filmmaking in my nation grows increasingly challenging each day, this acknowledgment serves as a reminder that cinema can still bridge connections beyond borders, languages, and constraints. I graciously accept this award not just for myself, but also on behalf of all those who, unheard, displaced, or under duress, continue to produce.

Neon obtained the North American cinema distribution rights for the movie “It Was Just an Accident” during Cannes, with a planned release date of October 15th.

This year’s 30th Busan International Film Festival will return to its base at the Busan Cinema Center. During the festival period, screenings and special events will take place all around the city. At the same time, BIFF’s Asian Project Market (APM), a significant platform for upcoming filmmakers in the region, will also be running. The competition selections for this event are scheduled to be revealed towards the end of August.

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2025-07-22 07:24