These are our twenty recommended Asian short films from the Busan International Short Film Festival, which will take place from April 25 – 30, 2024 in Busan, Korea.

Afternoon by Kim Byeonggyu – Korea | 2023 – 28 minutes | World Premiere

Jiwoo and Woojin are lovers who live in the same house. Woojin lies to Jiwoo and goes to see an old lover. After wandering the city, Jiwoo returns home late at night. The next day, they go on a train trip together. (BISFF 2024)

Trailer:

At Noon by Chae Euiseok – Korea | 2020 – 30 minutes

In 2001, in Gimpo, with the city undergoing redevelopment and change, Minkyu visits a photo studio early in the morning for an identification photo. However, his plan goes awry leading him to take an unexpected stroll around town with Gayoung, the daughter of the photo studio’s owner. This film, with a melodramatic narrative, captures urbanization and development initially using a film camera, and later transitioning to a digital one. How will their suspended romance unfold and what will the transformation of the city result in? (KANG Byunghwa – BISFF 2024)

Trailer:

Basri and Salma in a Never-Ending Comedy by Khozy Rizal – Indonesia | 2023 – 15 minutes

A husband and wife married for 5 years, own an Odong-Odong at the carnival together, spending their days entertaining and taking care of other people’s children without any of their own. Between meddling relatives, self-doubt and an explosive confrontation, they uncover why they have not been blessed with a child. (BISFF 2024)

Trailer:

Bug by Myoung Sejin – Korea | 2023 – 23 minutes

Hana, a factory worker who has just come of age, cannot fully grasp such complicated terms as ‘labor union’ or ‘subcontract worker’. For her, the only thing that matters is the money to earn a living for herself and her grandmother. (BISFF 2024)

Trailer:

Chuff Chuff Chuff by Koi Wang Chao – Macao, Taiwan | 2023 – 7 minutes | World Premiere

The Hong Kong young man woke up. He found his home transformed into a train car. He felt like he was still dreaming. But the woman who spoke Mandarin said this was not his dream. (BISFF 2024)

Trailer:

Cross My Heart and Hope to Die by Sam Manacsa – Philippines | 2023 – 18 minutes

Mila struggles as she remains unpaid at work and a love interest becomes a source of comfort through his constant phone calls. But a promise of hope may also lead to tragedy and sad love songs. (BISFF 2024)

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Everyone Has Moments Like That by Kwon Hyunji – Korea | 2024 – 15 minutes | World Premiere

As an aspiring director in my early 20s, I often find myself chasing the illusion of becoming an artist. This film documents the life of actress Minyoung Ahn, tracing her journey through a life of theatre, as I seek to discover and confront myself. (BISFF 2024)

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Eyes by Nam Hyokyoung and Choi Yoojae – Korea | 2024 – 14 minutes | World Premiere

There is a child called ‘Wilson’, who was born with only one eye. Wilson, who was bright, positive, and enjoyed drawing, becomes afraid of drawing due to repeated bullying by other school children. One day, Wilson discovers a strange creature in the school backyard and is led into a forest where unexpected events unfold… (BISFF 2024)

Trailer:

Hide and Seek by Lee Jiyeon – Korea | 2020 – 20 minutes

Junghye plays a dangerous game of hide-and-seek in order to live with her son. They can’t afford to dream of the future, so they live their lives moving from place to place. For some, finding a bed for the night is a stark reality. Due to their circumstances, the question arises: would they be happier together or apart? (KANG Byunghwa – BISFF 2024)

Trailer:

I’m Here to See the House by Jung Yoonah – Korea | 2023 – 22 minutes

Seonok, who achieved her dream of purchasing her own apartment, finds herself struggling with overwhelming loan interest. Desperate to sell the house and move on, she faces resistance from the tenant, Jahyun, who has grown attached to the apartment. (BISFF 2024)

Trailer:

For more information, please visit: https://www.bisff.org/eng/