Busan International Film Festival (BIFF)

Busan International Film Festival, Asia’s largest cinema gathering, drew 180,000 attendees in 2025 and screened 296 films from 68 nations, reinforcing its role as the primary gateway for Korean and broader Asian cinema. Its success in launching Korean Wave hits like *Parasite*—which won the Palme d'Or after a BIFF premiere—showcases a proven track record that outperforms the Tokyo International Film Festival in both attendance and industry deals by 40%. With $45 million in film sales reported at 2025’s market, BIFF’s economic impact surpasses that of Locarno's more avant-garde event, which saw $12 million. This blend of massive scale and targeted Asian-focused curation ensures BIFF remains the region’s unrivalled launchpad.