Busan to Kick Off 40th International Short Film Festival from April 24 to May 1

Busan, South Korea - The city of Busan announced that the 40th Busan International Short Film Festival will take place from April 24 to May 1 at the Busan Cinema Center, BNK Busan Bank Art Cinema Corner Theater. The festival marks the beginning of the film festival season for the UNESCO Creative City of Film in Busan.

Sponsored by the city of Busan and organized by the Busan International Short Film Festival Association, this year's festival celebrates its 40th anniversary since its inception in 1980. Under the theme "Cinema & Heritage," the festival aims to examine the essential legacy of film art and showcase works that demonstrate the transformative and limitless possibilities of film throughout its past, present, and future.

During the festival, a total of 146 films from 39 countries will be screened, including 40 international competition entries and 20 Korean competition entries, selected from 3,582 submissions from 113 countries.

This year's opening films are "Kid Auto Race in Venice," "Field," and "How Do You Measure a Year?" The three films, ranging from experimental to documentary and feature films, address various messages and formats related to the festival's theme. The opening ceremony will be held at the Sky Theater in Busan Cinema Center on April 25 at 7 pm.

The United States has been chosen as the guest country for this year's festival, featuring works by silent comedy masters Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton, renowned American short documentary director Jay Rosenblatt, and a special selection of noteworthy American short films from the Palm Springs International Short Film Festival. The opening ceremony will also include performances by Busan rapper 'J-Tong' and world-renowned artist 'arc', as well as the unveiling of a festival introduction video featuring virtual human editor "O HANA," produced in collaboration with Galaxy corporation.

The closing ceremony, scheduled for May 1 at 7 pm, will announce the winners in various categories, including 13 films from four sections to receive the top awards.