(LEAD) BIFF wraps up, draws more than 200,000 admissions

The Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), one of Asia's most prestigious film fests, came to a close Thursday after attracting its biggest audience in about a decade during its 10-day run, organizers said.

The 31st edition of BIFF attracted more than 200,000 admissions, surpassing the 200,000 mark for the first time since 2015, as well as nearly 77,000 participants for other programs and events, organizers said during a press conference at the Busan Cinema Center in the southeastern port city of Busan.

The overall number of visitors, including moviegoers and program participants, also increased by about 40,000 compared with the previous year.

The year's event featured screenings for 315 films, including 246 official invitations, which marked the biggest slate since 2019. Of the total, 94 works had their world premieres at BIFF.

At the closing ceremony hosted by Korean actor Yim Si-wan, BIFF announced the winners of the Busan Awards, selected by a seven-member jury led by Chinese auteur Zhang Yimou.

Thirteen films from across Asia, including South Korea, China, Japan and Indonesia, shortlisted for the main Competition section, vied for the top prize. Beginning this year, the winner of the Best Film award will be eligible for submission to the Oscars in the Best International Feature Film category.

The top honor went to Iranian filmmaker Majid Majidi's "Midday Meal," which held its world premiere at BIFF, in a unanimous jury decision.

Set in a forlorn town, the film centers around the village's sole teacher, Solan, whose only dream is to become a full-time teacher and live in a proper house with his mother. But that modest longing is threatened as a school meal program is set to end, putting the school on the brink of closure.

In his acceptance speech, Majidi thanked his late mother for her love and support. The filmmaker said he dedicates the top honor to the people of Iran who are fighting against oppression, adding he hopes for a world without war.

Zhang, the jury chief, called Majidi's film an excellent work and what he personally considers an ideal film.

Indonesian filmmaker Eddie Cahyono won the Special Jury Prize for "Ibuku," while the Best Director went to Taiwanese filmmaker Lee Yun Chan, who helmed "To Be Ordinary."

The Best Actor Award was shared by two actors: China's Zhou Xun of "The First Taste of Loneliness" and rookie Japanese actor Kashun Himeno of "Satoko Always." "The First Taste of Loneliness" added another prize as its sound director Li Danfeng won the Artistic Contribution Award.

Held as the first BIFF edition with an A-list accreditation by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations, alongside prestigious film festivals, such as Cannes, Berlin and Venice, this year's event brought together prominent filmmakers, actors and industry officials from South Korea and abroad.

Among notable guests were Malaysian actor Michelle Yeoh, who received this year's Asian Filmmaker of Year award, and Hong Kong director Ann Hui, who received the Camellia Award for her lifelong contributions to empowering women in the film industry.

Mexican filmmaker Alfonso Cuaron and American actor Maggie Gyllenhaal attended BIFF for their first official visit to the country, while renowned directors Hirokazu Kore-eda and Lav Diaz as well as actors Charlotte Gainsbourg and Fan Bingbing visited Busan.

From Korea, Lee Chang-dong, the auteur behind the Venice-winning "Possible Love" and its cast, including Jeon Do-yeon and Sul Kyung-gu, as well as directors Na Hong-jin and Kim Jee-woon attended the film fest.

Alongside film screenings and events, the Asian Contents and Film Market for film investors and distributors attracted more than 30,000 visitors, with 339 companies from 32 countries holding exhibitions.