Aug. 20, 2024
This year’s APM selection features an expanded variety of genres, including crime thrillers, horror, queer cinema, and animated films, alongside the more traditional selections of drama, comedy and romance.
Korea - The Busan International Film
Festival (BIFF) has announced the selection of 30 titles for the 2024 Asian
Project Market (APM), showcasing a diverse array of upcoming films from
acclaimed directors such as Kirsten Tan, Woo Ming Jin, and Daishi Matsunaga.
Kirsten Tan, known for her award-winning film Pop
Aye, returns with her new project Crocodile Rock. Produced by Momo
Film’s Tan Si En, this film is expected to continue Tan’s tradition of unique
storytelling and compelling character studies.
Woo Ming Jin, a prominent Malaysian filmmaker whose
film Stone Turtle won the Fipresci prize at Locarno in 2022, brings The
Camford Experiment, a US-Malaysia co-production. This project is
anticipated to blend Woo’s signature style with new thematic explorations.
Daishi Matsunaga, recognised for his LGBTQ+ romance
drama Egoist, which competed at the Tokyo International Film Festival in
2022, returns with Until That Day (working title). Matsunaga’s new film
is expected to delve into profound emotional and social themes, continuing his
exploration of complex human relationships.
The 2024 APM selection is notable for its genre
diversity, including crime thrillers, horror, queer cinema, and animated films,
alongside traditional genres like drama, comedy, and romance. This variety
underscores APM’s commitment to promoting diverse storytelling and creative
freedom across Asia.
Other notable projects include Dhakar Nagin by
Iqbal H. Chowdhury, Levitating by Indonesia’s Wregas Bhanuteja, and Life
Redo List by Sotoyama Bunji. The selection also features debut fiction
projects like Nothing Happened by Hong Kong’s Chan Tze-woon and Hum
by Filipino filmmaker Don Josephus Raphael Eblahan.
The APM, part of BIFF’s Asian Contents and Film Market
(ACFM), will take place from October 5-8 in Busan, South Korea. This year marks
the 27th edition of APM, which received a record 441 submissions from 44
regions, highlighting its significance as a platform for connecting filmmakers
with international investors and collaborators.
This year’s lineup promises to be a vibrant showcase
of Asia’s cinematic talent, reflecting the region’s rich cultural and creative
diversity.