Park Chan-wook on Korea’s Cinema Crisis, ‘Unfortunate’ WGA Expulsion and the Message Behind Busan Opener ‘No Other Choice’: ‘Is It All Meaningless?’

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.

The Busan International Film Festival is marking its 30th anniversary with a fresh vision under director Jung Hanseok. Rather than reflecting on past successes, Jung is focused on launching a new chapter for this influential festival, which kicked off with the premiere of Park Chan-wook's film 'No Other Choice.' This transformation is significant as it highlights the festival's commitment to evolving and adapting in the ever-changing landscape of cinema, making it a pivotal moment for filmmakers and audiences alike.

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.

Mockingbird Pictures, a rising Vietnamese sales agent, is making waves at the Busan Asian Contents and Film Market by acquiring international rights to the local horror film 'The Whispering Spirit,' featuring actress Tram Anh. This move not only highlights the growing influence of Vietnamese cinema on the global stage but also showcases the company's ambition as it expands its portfolio with two Indonesian horror titles. This is significant as it reflects the increasing interest in Southeast Asian horror films, which are gaining traction among international audiences.

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.

Paramount is reportedly considering a significant shift in its approach to CBS News by engaging in discussions with Bari Weiss, the founder of The Free Press. This potential partnership raises questions about the future direction of journalism, particularly whether the focus will be on sensational commentary or traditional news reporting. As the media landscape evolves, this decision could have implications for how news is delivered and consumed in 2025.

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.

At the Busan International Film Festival, Guillermo del Toro expressed his admiration for Korean cinema, highlighting the works of directors Bong Joon Ho and Park Chan-wook. He emphasized the cultural connections between Korea and Mexico, showcasing how both nations share a unique storytelling style that embraces chaos and beauty. This recognition not only celebrates the talents of these filmmakers but also strengthens the global appreciation for diverse cinematic voices, making it a significant moment for the film industry.

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.

Daniel Domenjó, the newly appointed CEO of Movistar Plus+, is making waves in Spain's payTV and streaming landscape. In his first interview with Variety, he emphasizes the importance of human connection in the workplace, reflecting a fresh approach to leadership. This matters because Movistar Plus+ is the largest service of its kind in Spain, and Domenjó's vision could reshape how audiences engage with content, potentially enhancing viewer experience and company culture.

Spain's television landscape is thriving, especially with Movistar Plus+ leading the charge. At the San Sebastián Film Festival, the premieres of their original series 'Querer' and 'Celeste' not only captivated audiences but also clinched top honors at the prestigious Series Mania in 2025. This highlights the growing importance of local content in the global entertainment scene and showcases Spain's ability to produce compelling narratives that resonate with viewers.

Reed Brody, a former New York Assistant Attorney General and a prominent human rights lawyer, is raising serious concerns about what he describes as an unprecedented attack on freedom of expression in the United States. He warns that there is a systematic effort to silence dissent across various sectors, including media, law firms, NGOs, and universities, using government power. This situation is alarming as it goes beyond mere censorship and poses a significant threat to democratic values and civil liberties, especially with the potential for a second term of Donald Trump.

Director Jose Alayón's film 'Dance of the Living' is making waves at the San Sebastián New Directors competition. The film features a poignant moment where a wrestler, after winning a match, shows respect by raising his opponent's arm in a gesture of sportsmanship. This scene not only highlights the spirit of competition but also the importance of camaraderie and respect in sports. Alayón's work is significant as it brings attention to the cultural narratives of the Canary Islands, showcasing local talent and stories on an international stage.

Anoop Lokkur's debut feature film 'Don't Tell Mother' is a heartfelt exploration of family secrets set in 1990s Bangalore. Drawing from his own experiences, Lokkur not only delves into the complexities of familial relationships but also kept a significant secret from his mother regarding the film's funding. This personal touch adds depth to the narrative, making it relatable and poignant. The film's release is significant as it highlights the importance of storytelling in understanding our past and the dynamics of family life.

The article reminisces about the beloved TV show 'New Girl,' highlighting its quirky humor and memorable characters like Schmidt. It captures the essence of why fans still feel nostalgic about the series, making it a significant part of pop culture. The show's unique blend of comedy and relatable moments continues to resonate with audiences, reminding us of the joy it brought during its run.