The Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) will present its Korean Cinema Award to Kim Dong-ho, the festival’s founding director and former chairman, at the upcoming 31st edition. The award ceremony is scheduled for October 6, 2026, during the festival’s opening night at the Busan Cinema Center.
The Korean Cinema Award is given each year to individuals who have made significant contributions to the growth of Korean cinema and helped raise its global recognition. This year, the honor goes to the very person who started the festival nearly three decades ago.
The 31st Busan International Film Festival will run from October 6 to 15, 2026, across various venues in Busan, with the main events taking place at the Busan Cinema Center.
Kim Dong-ho’s Journey from Government Official to Festival Pioneer
Kim Dong-ho began his career in the public sector, working at the Ministry of Culture and Information, which is now known as the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. He rose through the ranks to become vice minister of culture from 1992 to 1993. Before that, he served as president of the Korean Motion Picture Promotion Corporation, which later became the Korean Film Council, and as the founding president of the Seoul Arts Center.
In 1996, Kim took on the role of founding festival director of BIFF, guiding the event through its early years. He led the festival for its first 14 years, stepping down from the director position in 2010.
One of Kim’s most significant decisions during BIFF’s early days was his refusal to submit films to government censors for pre-approval. At that time, Korean films were routinely reviewed by censors before public exhibition. Kim chose to keep the festival’s programming free from government interference. This bold move established BIFF’s independence and earned the trust of filmmakers across Asia, helping transform a first-year event in a port city into the region’s leading film showcase.
Continued Contributions to Korean Cinema
After leaving the festival director role, Kim remained actively involved in the film community. He served as dean of Dankook University’s Graduate School of Cinematic Content, chaired the Presidential Committee for Cultural Enrichment, and later became chairman of BIFF.
Kim has also served as jury president or jury member at major international festivals, including the Un Certain Regard section at Cannes, as well as festivals in Rotterdam and Fukuoka.
Even in his late 80s, Kim continues to work behind the camera. His documentary “Walking in the Movies” (2024), which looks back on his life in cinema, was selected for Cannes Classics. He followed it with his feature directorial debut, “Mr. Kim Goes to the Cinema” (2025), which he made at the age of 88. The film was created with the help of renowned filmmakers including Lee Chang-dong, Park Chan-wook, Bong Joon-ho and Hirokazu Kore-eda. It premiered as a special screening at the 30th BIFF.
Kim Dong-ho’s Response to the Award
Kim Dong-ho expressed his feelings about receiving the award from the festival he founded.
“It is a great honor to receive such a prestigious award. I feel deeply moved and humbled to be recognized by the very festival I helped establish and served for over 15 years.”
He also shared his ongoing commitment to promoting Korean cinema worldwide.
“Even today, I attend more than ten film festivals each year to promote Korean cinema, and I hope to continue this journey for as long as I can.”
The Busan International Film Festival organizing committee stated that Kim was selected as the recipient to recognize his efforts in laying the foundation for the festival in a field that was once undeveloped and his role in leading the globalization of Korean cinema.
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What to Expect at the 31st Busan International Film Festival
The 31st BIFF will take place over ten days in October. Kim Min-ha, known for her role in “Pachinko,” will host this year’s opening ceremony.
Other notable honors at this year’s festival include the Asian Filmmaker of the Year award going to Michelle Yeoh and the Chanel-backed Camellia Award presented to Ann Hui.
The festival will also host the 21st Asian Contents & Film Market, running alongside the main event from October 10 to 13.
Also Read: Son Ye-jin Answers Fan Questions on Instagram After Busan Film Festival Talk
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