CJ champions cinema and boosts Korean entertainment worldwide at the 2024 Busan International Film Festival
The Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) is one of the most prestigious annual film festivals in Asia. This Korean festival celebrates Asian cinematic artistry, promoting cultural exchange with experimental filmography and events such as the Asian Film Market.
CJ is no stranger to bringing Asian artistry to life. As a global leader in entertainment, CJ is a powerhouse in the film industry, committed to advancing Korean media, entertainment and culture on the global stage. The company has a history of notable achievements at various international festivals such as the Toronto International Film Festival, reinforcing its reputation in the international film industry. CJ Group played a pivotal role at BIFF through its content creation program and other events and presentations at the event.
CJ hosted a wide variety of specialized events, premieres and movie showcases at BIFF 2024 to highlight its leadership within all aspects of entertainment. One of the most anticipated events was the premiere of “Dongjae, the Good or the Bastard,” “Way Back Love” and CJ 4DPLEX’s “RM: Right People, Wrong Place.” All three offered unique stories that local and international audiences are bound to enjoy. Outside traditional film premieres, CJ presented movies developed through CJ ENM’s content creator program ‘O’PEN’ and the Busan Film Commission. O’PEN offers aspiring writers and composers opportunities to produce their projects, providing them with resources and support from CJ, and facilitating collaboration with subsidiaries like STUDIO DRAGON and WAKEONE throughout various stages, from content creation to business matching. This initiative reflects CJ’s vision to assist the growth of Asian cinema by assisting emerging writers, composers and filmmakers by providing them with a platform to showcase their immense talent.
Another key aspect of CJ’s BIFF participation is its 2024 CJ Movie Forum interactive sessions. Hosted alongside Cine21, the forum “Navigating the New Paradigm” discussed the future of the K-content industry, sharing strategies and insights from CJ’s K-content ecosystem to achieve domestic and global success.
Additionally, pop-up events such as TVING Highlights in Busan and a hip-hop party helped the audience feel engaged and provided them the opportunity to celebrate Korean content. Overall, the combination of premieres, forums and engaging and accessible entertainment embodies CJ’s vision for K-content and its current stance in film.
CJ’s leadership in the Korean entertainment industry makes its role in BIFF instrumental, with an expansive portfolio that spans the entire entertainment industry, from the writing process to screening platforms. Its dominance in film, music, media and cinema, alongside ventures in food, biotechnology, retail and logistics, has been pivotal in elevating K-culture worldwide. To foster global growth in K-culture, CJ invests in rising filmmakers through programs like O’PEN and Story Up Shorts in North America, helping young creators showcase their work to international audiences. Partnerships with global studios and streaming platforms, such as FIFTH SEASON’s 225 million USD investment from Toho, alongside CJ ENM’s strategic collaborations, enhance the global reach and influence of K-content, bringing Korean stories to diverse audiences worldwide.
CJ remains steadfast in nurturing cinematic talent beyond BIFF 2024. By developing high-quality content and fostering professional growth in production teams, CJ continuously shapes the future of Korean entertainment and propels the industry globally. Supporting Korean cinema involves exploring its rich stories and sharing beloved films, ensuring that these narratives reach audiences everywhere.
