[Dispatch=Lee Myung-ju Reporter] Chinese master director Zhang Yimou will lead the 31st Busan International Film Festival.

The Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) secretariat announced on the 17th that "Director Zhang Yimou has been appointed as the head judge for this year's Busan International Film Festival competition section."

Director Zhang is a film director who has won the three major film festivals in the world, including Berlin (Golden Bear), Venice (Golden Lion), and Cannes Film Festival (Jury Prize).

Director Bi Gan (China), actress Samal Yeslyamova (Kazakhstan), director Ishikawa Kei (Japan), and producer Tran Thi Bick Ngoc (Vietnam) will also participate.

Han Korean director and actor also joined the jury. Director Jung Juri, who directed the film 'Do Hee', and Choi Hee-seo will judge competition section entries.

The festival said, "Based on the perspectives and experiences accumulated in their respective positions, they will examine the achievements and new possibilities of the competition works."

The 'Busan Award' was first introduced at the Busan International Film Festival last year. Awards will be given in five categories including Grand Prize, Director's Award, and Jury Special Prize.

Meanwhile, the 31st Busan International Film Festival will be held from the 6th to the 15th of next month around the Busan Cinema Center.

<Photo courtesy=Busan International Film Festival>