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

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

authorBy Roger Ebert
DateSep 18, 2026
Read Time2 min

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.

More Articles
Entertainment
Dolly Parton's Posthumous Recognition at Americana Honors & Awards
Dolly Parton was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Americana Honors & Awards. A pre-recorded video message from the late singer was played at the ceremony. Parton, who passed away on August 25 after a brief battle with cancer, expressed her gratitude and reflected on her musical journey, particularly her return to roots music with her album "Hungry Again."
By Shonda RhimesSep 18, 2026
Entertainment
FCC Approves Foreign Ownership Stake in Paramount-Warner Bros.
The Federal Communications Commission has granted approval for foreign entities to hold a 49.5% equity stake in Paramount, following its merger with Warner Bros. Discovery. This decision comes despite concerns raised by some senators and advocacy groups regarding potential foreign influence over a major American media company, particularly given that the investment comes from Gulf state sovereign wealth funds. The FCC emphasized that these foreign investors will not possess voting stock, thus mitigating worries about control over the licensees' decisions. The merger itself is currently awaiting resolution of an antitrust lawsuit.
By Chimamanda Ngozi AdichieSep 18, 2026
Entertainment
Entertainment Industry Leaders Grapple with AI's Role and Potential
At the Variety Entertainment and Tech Summit, industry leaders from Google, Netflix, Lionsgate, Hasbro, Teads, and Adobe discussed the evolving role of AI in entertainment. The conversation centered on demystifying AI, moving beyond broad misconceptions, and identifying practical applications that can enhance creativity and production processes while addressing concerns around intellectual property and trust.
By Chimamanda Ngozi AdichieSep 18, 2026
Entertainment
Frameline Fall Showcase Unveils Diverse LGBTQ+ Film Selection
Frameline, a prominent queer arts nonprofit, has announced the program for its inaugural fall festival, scheduled to take place across various San Francisco venues in October and November. This showcase will feature five LGBTQ+ films, celebrating both the narratives and the LGBTQ+ creators involved in their production, building upon the success of the 50th San Francisco International LGBTQ+ Film Festival held earlier this year.
By Ricky GervaisSep 17, 2026
Entertainment
John Leguizamo Cast as Lead Villain in Joseph Kosinski's 'Miami Vice '85' Adaptation
John Leguizamo is set to star as the primary antagonist in Joseph Kosinski's upcoming crime thriller, 'Miami Vice '85.' The film, a cinematic reinterpretation of the iconic 1980s television series, will begin production in November, with shoots planned for New York and Miami. Leguizamo joins a distinguished ensemble cast including Michael B. Jordan and Austin Butler in this highly anticipated Universal Pictures release.
By Roger EbertSep 17, 2026