Indian Cinema Shines on the Global Stage at BIFF 2025: First-Time Ministerial Delegation to Attend!

In a significant moment for Indian cinema, ten films will be showcased at the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) 2025, along with five projects featured in the Asian Contents & Film Market (ACFM). The festival runs from September 17 to 26 at the Busan Cinema Centre in South Korea.

Among the selected Indian films are “Spying Stars,” directed by Padma Shri Nila Madhab Panda, which competes in the Inaugural Competition section, and other titles like “If on a Winter Night” by Sanju Surendran and “Shape of Momo” by Tribeny Rai. Additional projects include “Kok Kok Kokoook,” “Bayaan,” “Don’t Tell Mother,” “Full Plate,” “Karinji,” and “I, Poppy.”

At the ACFM, five Indian projects have been chosen for the Co-Production Market. These include “Difficult Daughters” by Soni Razdan and “The Last of Them Plagues,” directed by Kunjila Mascillamani.

For the first time, a high-level delegation will attend BIFF, led by Dr. L. Murugan, the Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting. This group includes senior officials and representatives from various cultural organizations, who aim to strengthen ties with South Korea through initiatives like WAVES Bazaar.

Murugan expressed pride in India’s participation, emphasizing the festival’s role in expanding co-productions and showcasing India’s creative economy. The Bharat Pavilion at the festival will promote B2B connections between Indian creators and global markets.

A unique aspect will be a panel discussion on “India–Korea Synergies: New Horizons in Co-Productions,” bringing together industry leaders and government officials. Additionally, a cultural evening titled “Bharat Parv” will highlight Indian arts, music, and cuisine, fostering deeper cultural connections between India and Korea.

As the film industry evolves, these collaborations could significantly impact the global scene. Recent surveys show that over 70% of film professionals in India seek more international partnerships, reflecting a growing trend towards globalization in the creative sectors.

To understand the changing landscape, comparing this year’s initiatives with past festivals showcases a shift towards stronger international ties and more diverse programming. The presence of Indian films at BIFF marks a notable change from previous years, where only a handful were featured.

For more details on the festival, visit BIFF’s official site.

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