Nandita Das Joins Global Cinema Icons as a Jury Member at BIFF 2025
Indian actor-filmmaker Nandita Das to judge top Asian films at BIFF’s 30th edition.
The 30th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) has announced its seven-member competition jury, featuring Indian actor-filmmaker Nandita Das alongside jury president, renowned South Korean director Na Hong-Jin. The festival, introducing a new competition section and the prestigious Busan Award, will reveal its winners at the closing ceremony.
Na Hong-Jin, celebrated for films like Chaser, The Yellow Sea, and The Wailing, leads the jury. His recent Thai-Korean co-production The Medium and upcoming film Hope, starring Hwang Jung-min, Zo In-sung, Hoyeon, Alicia Vikander, and Michael Fassbender, further cement his global influence.
Nandita Das, a luminary in Indian cinema, is known for her powerful performances in Earth, Fire, and Bawandar. Her directorial debut, Firaaq (2008), earned critical acclaim, followed by Manto and Zwigato. A seasoned jury member at festivals like Cannes, Das brings her discerning perspective to BIFF.
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The jury includes Hong Kong actor Tony Leung Ka-fai, known for Reign Behind a Curtain and The Shadow’s Edge; Iranian director Marziyeh Meshkiny, celebrated for The Day I Became a Woman; Korean-American filmmaker Kogonada, whose works include Columbus and the upcoming A Big Bold Beautiful Journey; Indonesian producer Yulia Evina Bhara, behind films like Solo, Solitude; and Korean actor Han Hyo-joo, recognized for Dong Yi and Moving.
BIFF Festival Director Jung Hanseok emphasized the jury’s international stature: “With this newly launched section, we’ve assembled a panel of seven with bold perspectives and global influence. I’m excited to see which Asian films they’ll honor under Na Hong-Jin’s leadership.”
The Busan Award will recognize excellence in five categories: Best Film, Best Director, Special Jury Prize, Best Actor, and Artistic Contribution, showcasing the finest in Asian cinema.
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