The 42nd Busan International Short Film Festival (BISFF) has officially revealed its poster and three opening films, setting the stage for this year’s cinematic celebration under the theme “Cinema & Sound.”
The theme explores the aesthetic power of sound in film — from dialogue and sound effects to music — and how it enhances storytelling and audience immersion.
This year’s poster was specially designed by directors Kim So-young and Jang Min-hee, who won the Best Korean Short Film Award at last year’s BISFF.
The concept draws inspiration from Federico Fellini’s 1957 classic La Strada, featuring the iconic character Gelsomina embarking on a symbolic journey toward the 42nd edition of the festival. The directors reimagine Gelsomina navigating through a world where stories and music merge.
“Just as the grooves on a record resemble the curves and complexities of people’s lives, we hope the unique lines drawn by each filmmaker come together like notes in a song or frames in a film to create a beautiful symphony of stories,” the directors shared in their statement.
The opening ceremony, scheduled for April 24 at 7 p.m. at the Busan Cinema Center’s Haneulyeon Theater, will screen three films representing this year’s focus on sound and global diversity. The selections include:
“The Grandfather Crocodile” (Colombia) – From this year’s guest country
“Across the Water” (France)
“Carlos’ Helmet” (Mexico)”
For full details on the program and schedule, visit the official BISFF website: www.bisff.org.
