Busan: Vietnam’s Mockingbird Pictures Unleashes ‘The Whispering Spirit’ & Indonesian Horror Duo At ACFM

Japan's Bitter End has secured international sales for 'Sai: Disaster,' a suspense film that has been selected for the prestigious San Sebastian Film Festival's main competition. This film, directed by the talented duo Gogatsu, will also have its Asian premiere at the Busan International Film Festival. With celebrated Japanese actor Kagawa in the cast, this film is generating excitement in the film community, showcasing the growing influence of Japanese cinema on the international stage.

Maboroshi, an Asian film collective, has made a significant move by acquiring the Taiwanese film 'Before the Bright Day' directed by Tsao Shih-Han for international distribution. This film is set to premiere at the prestigious San Sebastian International Film Festival, highlighting its potential impact on the global film scene. The acquisition was announced during the Asian Contents & Film Market in Busan, marking a promising start for Maboroshi as they venture into international sales.

Skyline Media has acquired the animated feature 'Scotty,' which will be showcased at the Asian Contents & Film Market in Busan. This family-friendly film tells the heartwarming story of a homeless cat named Scotty and his journey with a domesticated cat, Katie, as they face challenges in search of a home. After six years of development, this project highlights the dedication to storytelling in animation and is set to resonate with audiences, making it a significant addition to the market.

Chinese filmmaker Guan Tian is making waves with her debut feature 'The Daughter,' a psychological thriller that explores themes of reproductive trauma. Co-produced with partners from Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, and France, the film is being showcased at Busan's Asian Project Market. This project draws inspiration from Guan's earlier work, 'The Poison Cat,' which was recognized at the Venice Film Festival. The film's unique perspective on female revenge and trauma is not only timely but also highlights the growing recognition of Asian cinema on the global stage.

Korea's Finecut is making waves at the Busan Asian Contents & Film Market by announcing its acquisition of international sales rights for three exciting films: The Mutation, Time of Cinema, and Wrangler. This is significant as it showcases the growing influence of Korean cinema on the global stage, with each film offering unique storytelling perspectives. The Mutation, directed by Shin Su-won, promises to captivate audiences with its road movie narrative, while the anthology format of Time of Cinema and the psychological thrills of Wrangler add to the diverse offerings. This move not only highlights Finecut's strategic positioning in the film market but also reflects the increasing interest in Asian cinema worldwide.

Jackie Chan recently opened up about his role in 'The Shadow's Edge' and his extensive 64-year career in the film industry. Initially hesitant to portray another police officer, Chan was ultimately convinced by director Larry Yang to take on the role, marking another exciting collaboration after their previous project, 'Ride On.' This film is significant not only for its action-packed storyline but also for showcasing Chan's enduring talent and versatility as an actor, reminding fans of his iconic status in cinema.

Park Chan-wook is shedding light on the troubling state of Korean cinema, which is experiencing its worst decline in two decades. With ticket sales plummeting to just 40.7 million in the first half of 2025, down from 62.9 million the previous year, the industry is at risk of falling below the critical 100 million admissions mark. This downturn not only affects filmmakers and audiences but also raises questions about the future of storytelling in Korea, making it a crucial moment for the film community.

The success of 'KPop Demon Hunters' is a significant validation of UTA's strategy as they expand into Asian markets. David Park, a senior partner at UTA, has dedicated years to fostering relationships in regions where American agencies have struggled. With the rise of Korean content on global streaming platforms and the influence of K-Pop in the music industry, UTA's efforts are now bearing fruit, highlighting the growing importance of Asian markets in the entertainment landscape.

Busan's Asian Contents & Film Market (ACFM) is set to launch exciting new programs this year, marking its 20th edition. With around 2,700 industry professionals expected to attend, ACFM aims to address the evolving challenges and opportunities in Asia's film and TV sectors. This initiative not only highlights the market's commitment to innovation but also reflects the growing importance of regional cooperation in the entertainment industry, making it a significant event for professionals and fans alike.

Japan's Bitter End has secured international sales for 'Sai: Disaster,' a suspense film that has been selected for the prestigious San Sebastian Film Festival's main competition. This film, directed by the talented duo Gogatsu, will also have its Asian premiere at the Busan International Film Festival. With celebrated Japanese actor Kagawa in the cast, this film is generating excitement in the film community, showcasing the growing influence of Japanese cinema on the international stage.

Tonight's TV lineup features exciting appearances from a Neighbours star and a former Leeds United player on Strictly Come Dancing, promising a night of entertainment. Additionally, viewers can catch the finale of the whimsical period drama The Count of Monte Cristo. This mix of reality and drama highlights the diverse offerings on television, making it a great evening for fans of various genres.

The San Sebastián Film Festival is set to showcase eight exciting works-in-progress, highlighting the creativity of filmmakers like Fernando Eimbcke and Jonas Bak. This event, running from September 22-24 in the Basque city, is significant as it represents the most important festival in the Spanish-speaking world, providing a platform for emerging talent and innovative projects that could shape the future of cinema.

Netflix is making significant strides in the Asia-Pacific region by expanding its Creative Asia program, which was announced during the Creative Asia conference at the Busan International Film Festival. This initiative aims to nurture local talent and enhance production standards, reflecting the company's commitment to the evolving landscape of Asian cinema. With industry leaders like Karen Park emphasizing the importance of supporting local creatives, this move not only boosts the film industry in the region but also enriches the global entertainment landscape.

21 Savage has sparked excitement on social media with his latest track, where fans believe he gave a shout-out to fellow rapper Latto through a lyric referencing cheetah print. This has generated buzz among listeners, showcasing the dynamic interactions between artists and their fans. Such moments are significant as they highlight the influence of social media in music culture and how artists can connect with each other and their audience in creative ways.

Bill Maher recently showed his support for Jimmy Kimmel during a live audience event, drawing parallels between Kimmel's suspension from ABC and Maher's own cancellation from the network years ago. His remarks resonated with the audience, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by comedians in the current media landscape. This moment is significant as it underscores the importance of free speech and the pressures that networks can exert on creative content.