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Oscar-Winning Filmmaker Alfonso Cuarón to Grace Busan Film Festival for First Time

Roger EbertRoger EbertSep 18, 2026

Oscar-winning filmmaker Alfonso Cuarón is scheduled to make his initial journey to South Korea for a prominent appearance at the forthcoming Busan International Film Festival. This marks a significant moment for the festival, drawing international attention with the director's participation.

During his visit, Cuarón is expected to attend the festival's inaugural event and conduct a master class, sharing insights into his creative vision and directorial methods that have shaped his illustrious career. The festival will also feature an exclusive IMAX presentation of his cinematic masterpiece, 'Gravity,' a film for which he earned his first Academy Award for Best Director in 2014. Additionally, his son and frequent collaborator, Jonás Cuarón, will be present to showcase his critically lauded new film, 'Campeón Gabacho,' making its Asian debut in the World Cinema section. A Q&A session will follow the screening, offering audiences a unique opportunity to engage with the younger Cuarón, who co-wrote 'Gravity' and has directed other notable works such as 'Desierto' and 'Chupa.'

'Campeón Gabacho' features a talented ensemble cast, including Juan Daniel García Treviño and Leslie Grace, and explores the poignant narrative of a Mexican immigrant striving to build a new life in the United States. Alfonso and Jonás Cuarón, alongside Gabriela Rodriguez, produced the film through Esperanto Filmoj, with Nicolás Celis also serving as a producer. The 31st Busan International Film Festival, running from October 6-15, promises a star-studded lineup, with guests such as Michelle Yeoh, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and an array of international and Korean cinematic figures. Chinese director Zhang Yimou will chair the main competition jury, selecting winners from 13 competing films, while the Asian Contents & Film Market will run concurrently from October 10-13, further solidifying Busan's role as a key hub for global cinema.

The Busan International Film Festival continues to be a vibrant platform for artistic exchange and cultural celebration, bringing together diverse voices and cinematic talents from around the globe. This year's festival, with its esteemed guests and compelling film selections, reinforces the power of storytelling to transcend borders and foster a deeper understanding of human experiences.

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