One of My Most Memorable Events at BIFF 2025
During the 30th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), I had the chance to watch different film screenings with guest visits, open talks, outdoor stage greetings, and forums. Out of all those events, Creative Asia: Presented by Netflix & BIFF stands out as one of the most memorable.
It wasn’t just the lineup of world-class speakers that made it special, but also the diversity of perspectives they brought to the stage. From award-winning directors to innovative production designers, each session gave me fresh insights that I know will stay with me long after the festival.
Session Information
The Creative Asia forum became one of the most memorable events for me. Held on September 20, 2025 at the DSU-KIT Centum Campus Convention Hall, the forum ran from 13:00 to 16:30 and brought together world-renowned filmmakers, directors, and production designers.
The first session, “Masters of Imagination,” featured Guillermo del Toro (Pan’s Labyrinth, The Shape of Water) and Yeon Sang-ho (Train to Busan, Hellbound). Both talked about how fantasy and monsters are not just visuals but symbols of human emotions and fears.
Next, Yui Miyamori, production designer of Last Samurai Standing, shared her vision in “Ready to Break the Mold of Period Filmmaking?” She encouraged filmmakers to approach historical films with fresh ideas that can resonate with today’s viewers.
The third session, “Shifting the Lens: Directing for Film vs Series Format,” was led by Leste Chen, known for his work in Chinese cinema and series such as The Resurrected. He discussed how directing for film differs from streaming series, and how both formats demand unique approaches to storytelling.
Finally, Maggie Kang, co-director of KPop Demon Hunters, gave audiences a behind-the-scenes look at the making of her film. Mixing K-pop with supernatural adventure, she highlighted how Asian stories are being reimagined for a global audience.
Key Takeaways & Interpretations
Guillermo del Toro & Yeon Sang-ho
Both filmmakers emphasized that monsters and fantastical elements are metaphors for human emotions and social fears.
Guillermo del Toro reminded us that creatures should reflect human truths. I also loved how he showed us his personal notebook — something he always carries to sketch or jot down creative sparks. It reminded me to always bring one because we don't know when inspiration will hit us.
Yeon Sang-ho revealed how zombies and demons embody anxieties within Korean society, proving that genre filmmaking can carry deep cultural commentary.
Yui Miyamori
Miyamori shared how production design can reimagine history and break away from stereotypes. Her meticulous process on Last Samurai Standing proved that design is more than aesthetics but it shapes how audiences experience time and place.
Leste Chen
Chen offered a valuable perspective on the differences between film and series directing. He explained that films require tight, concise storytelling, while series provide room for pacing experiments and deeper character growth. His journey between both formats was an inspiring reminder that directors must constantly adapt.
As someone who is currently writing a short film, there are really some limitations especially with time. Our professors have been giving us examples of feature films but not short films. So, honestly, it's really hard to make a short film. But hearing Leste Chen talk about his experience, it made me think of exploring more.
Maggie Kang
Though I couldn’t stay for her entire session, I was struck by how Maggie’s Korean heritage and love for K-pop inspired KPop Demon Hunters. She showed that stories rooted in cultural authenticity can still resonate with global audiences, especially when paired with bold creativity.
Reflections as a Film Student in Korea
Attending Creative Asia at BIFF 2025 was more than just listening to experts. It was a reminder of why I chose to study film. Each speaker showed that authenticity and imagination are not opposites but complementary forces.
As a film student at Dongseo University in Busan, I found myself reflecting on how my own journey as an international student can inspire my projects. Just as Guillermo del Toro draws from his imagination and Yeon Sang-ho channels societal fears, I can weave my experiences into stories that are both personal and universal.
This event reminded me that great filmmaking is not only about visuals or plot twists. It’s about the emotions, identities, and truths that lie beneath them. As I enter my final year, these insights will guide not only my graduation project but also my long-term career.
Thank You, Netflix & BIFF
I’m truly grateful to Netflix and the Busan International Film Festival for organizing Creative Asia. Bringing together such diverse, world-class voices in one forum was a gift to every aspiring filmmaker and film lover in the audience.
Events like this prove that cinema is a global language where stories, no matter where they come from, can inspire the world.
