BIFF 2024: expanded film slate, new documentary award, tributes to Lee Sun-kyun

The period drama "Uprising" will open this year's Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) early next month, the organizer said Tuesday. Starring Gang Dong-won and Park Jeong-min, "Uprising," set in the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), tells the story of two men who grew up together -- one as a master (Park) and the other as a servant (Gang) -- who reunite as enemies after a war. "Decision to Leave" director Park Chan-wook contributed to the film as both a producer and scriptwriter. The festival will close with Singaporean director Eric Khoo's "Spirit World," starring Catherine Deneuve, marking the first time a Singaporean film has closed BIFF. The movie follows French singer Claire who finds herself in the afterlife after suddenly dying during a tour in Japan. A total of 224 films from 63 countries have been officially invited to this year's festival, marking an approximately eight percent increase from last year's 209. With 55 films in the Community BIFF section, the total number of screenings rises to 279. Source: Yonhap News Agency