Thailand Horror Studio Fearfolks Unveils Inaugural Slate at Busan Market (EXCLUSIVE)

JAFF Market has teamed up with Cinepoint to track the impressive rise of Indonesia's box office, where local films are now outperforming Hollywood productions. This partnership, announced at the Asian Contents & Film Market in Busan, highlights a significant shift in the film industry, showcasing the growing strength of domestic cinema. This is important as it not only reflects changing audience preferences but also boosts the local economy and encourages more investment in Indonesian storytelling.

Jordanian filmmaker Darin J. Sallam is making waves with her second feature project, 'Churching of Women,' which is being showcased at Busan's Asian Project Market. This marks a significant milestone as it's the first entry from Jordan at this prestigious event. The film tells the compelling story of a pioneering female author facing injustice in a colonial era, highlighting the struggles against masculine power structures. Sallam's work not only represents Jordanian cinema on an international stage but also sheds light on important social issues, making it a noteworthy contribution to the film industry.

Matta Cinema Production from Jakarta is making waves at the Busan Asian Contents & Film Market by showcasing a six-film slate with budgets between $440,000 and $1.1 million. This initiative, titled 'True Stories of Indonesia: From Local Roots to Global Screen,' highlights the company's commitment to bringing Indonesian narratives to a global audience. With production timelines extending through 2028, this move not only emphasizes the growing film industry in Indonesia but also opens doors for international collaborations and cultural exchange.

Maggie Kang, the creator of 'Kpop Demon Hunters,' recently shared her favorite character and discussed how she infused Korean culture into her Netflix animated film during an event in Busan. After years in Hollywood without seeing Korean representation, Kang took the initiative to create a project that reflects her heritage. This not only highlights the importance of diverse storytelling in animation but also opens the door for more culturally rich narratives in the industry, exciting fans and creators 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.

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.

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.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are making headlines with their wedding plans, capturing the excitement of fans everywhere. As they navigate their engagement, the couple is sharing details that hint at a celebration filled with love and joy. This matters not just for their fans but also for the broader cultural conversation around celebrity relationships, showcasing how public figures can inspire and connect with their audience.

The Korean remake of the popular Indian thriller 'Drishyam' is set to be directed by Deok Noh, as confirmed by Choi Jae-won, president of Anthology Studios. This exciting project was announced at the Busan Asian Contents & Film Market and marks a significant collaboration between Korea's Anthology and India's Panorama Studios. The original 'Drishyam' has garnered a massive following, and this remake is anticipated to bring a fresh perspective to the gripping storyline, showcasing the growing interest in cross-cultural adaptations in cinema.

Bad Bunny wrapped up his impressive 31-date residency at El Choli in Puerto Rico with an unforgettable performance alongside Marc Anthony. Their duet of 'Preciosa' not only showcased their incredible talent but also highlighted the cultural significance of the event, celebrating Puerto Rican pride and artistry. This emotional finale resonated with fans, marking a memorable moment in the music scene and reinforcing Bad Bunny's status as a leading figure in Latin music.

In the latest review of 'In-I In Motion', Juliette Binoche and Akram Khan showcase a remarkable artistic collaboration that blends dance and emotion. This performance not only highlights their individual talents but also explores the depths of human connection through movement. It's a significant event in the arts, as it pushes boundaries and invites audiences to experience the beauty of expression in a new light.

Tonight on ITV1, viewers can tune in to a crucial investigation that delves into the Covid contracts scandal, revealing the greed and deception surrounding PPE provision. This program is significant as it sheds light on the mismanagement and ethical concerns that arose during a critical time, prompting discussions about accountability and transparency in government contracts. Additionally, the evening features the drama 'Coldwater,' which takes a bizarre turn, offering a mix of serious and entertaining content for audiences.

San Sebastián's Ikusmira Berriak residency program is celebrating a remarkable 34% increase in applications this year, marking its 11th anniversary. This initiative, launched in 2015, aims to nurture emerging talent in filmmaking and is a collaboration with the Tabakalera-International Centre for Contemporary Culture and the Elías Querejeta Zine Eskola. The growth in applications highlights the program's success and its importance in supporting new voices in the film industry, making it a significant platform for creativity and innovation.