Busan Market Expands Doc Square, Launches Impact Asia; Yim Siwan to Host BIFF Closing

The vibrant cinematic landscape of Busan is gearing up for its annual autumn spectacle, with the 31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) and its accompanying 21st Asian Contents & Film Market (ACFM) announcing significant expansions and a star-studded lineup. Among the key developments, Doc Square, a dedicated hub for Asian documentaries, is set to unveil its new "Impact Asia" initiative and award, while critically acclaimed actor Yim Siwan has been tapped to host the festival's closing ceremony.

The 31st BIFF will immerse audiences and industry professionals from October 6-15, 2026, centered at the Busan Cinema Center. Meanwhile, the 21st ACFM, the festival's official industry market, will run from October 10-13, 2026, at BEXCO Exhibition Center 2, with its online component extending from October 6-13, 2026.

What is Doc Square and Impact Asia?

Doc Square, launched in 2025, is expanding its role as a crucial meeting point for Asian documentary creators and industry professionals, and will run from October 10-13, 2026, at BEXCO Exhibition Center 2. This year, it introduces "Impact Asia," a new initiative designed to examine the social impact of documentaries across the continent. This forward-looking program will culminate in the inaugural IMPACT Asia Award, offering USD 5,000 each to three deserving documentary projects that demonstrate significant social resonance.

Doc Square 2026 will bring together eight partner organizations from five countries—South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Indonesia, and the Philippines—to foster collaboration and innovation in documentary filmmaking. A total of 16 documentary works in progress will be presented, offering creators a platform to pitch their projects to potential partners. These include projects from the Asian Cinema Fund's Asian Network of Documentary Fund.

Industry professionals can also engage with various programs, including "Documentary Festival & Fund Talk" on October 10, "Current State of Documentary Co-Production" (with Asia and Korea sessions on October 10 and 11, respectively), and "AND Talk & Share" on October 13.

Who will host the BIFF closing ceremony?

Actor Yim Siwan has been officially named the sole host of the 31st BIFF closing ceremony, scheduled for October 15, 2026. This prestigious role recognizes his consistent performances and versatility across a wide array of characters, according to Asian Movie Pulse. Sportschosun Reporter Jo Ji-young, as translated by GripLabs Mingo AI, noted that Yim's selection reflects the festival's acknowledgment of his ability to move audiences deeply through his solid acting foundation and insight into his characters.

Yim Siwan, who began his acting career in 2012 with "Moon Embracing the Sun" and made his feature debut in "The Attorney" in 2013, has since captivated audiences in projects like "Misaeng" (2014) and "Squid Game" seasons two and three. His dependable and steady hosting is expected to heighten the honor and emotion of the Busan Award ceremony, which was newly established in 2025 to recognize winners of BIFF's competition section.

What other major figures are involved?

The festival will see other prominent figures grace its various events. Actress Kim Min-ha will host the opening ceremony of the 31st BIFF on October 6, 2026. Legendary director Ann Hui is set to receive the 2026 Camellia Award at the opening ceremony, an honor celebrating her lifelong contributions to elevating women in cinema. Malaysian actress Michelle Yeoh will also be recognized with The Asian Filmmaker of the Year Award.

BIFF directors Jung Han-seok and artistic director Choi Soon-dae, alongside Ellen Y.D. Kim, head of the ACFM, are overseeing the preparations for what promises to be an impactful festival.

How significant is the Asian Contents & Film Market (ACFM)?

The Asian Contents & Film Market continues its impressive growth, solidifying its status as a premier industry event in Asia, often compared to the Marché du Film at the Cannes Film Festival. The 20th edition in 2025 marked its largest to date, drawing 3,024 industry professionals representing 1,222 companies from 55 countries. The total on-site attendance reached 30,006, with the Sales Market reporting 8,438 business meetings and an estimated transaction value of USD 71.16 million.

This growth underscores ACFM's critical role in covering all stages of the film industry, from pre-production to film sales, and its increasing importance for networking, financing, production, and distribution across Asia and beyond. This year, the Newstapa Award will also be presented, offering KRW 10 million and a streaming opportunity for one project through the Newstapa Foundation's platforms.

With 316 films slated for screening, including 95 World Premieres and 10 International Premieres from 59 countries, the 31st BIFF and 21st ACFM are poised to deliver a comprehensive and dynamic experience for filmmakers, industry professionals, and cinephiles alike.