The Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) 2025, held from September 17–26, marks its 30th anniversary with a strong presence from Southeast Asia. Known as one of Asia’s most influential film festivals, BIFF has long been a platform where Asian filmmakers present their boldest works to the global stage.

This year, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Cambodia, and Thailand make waves with a diverse range of films—from socially charged dramas and genre-defying fantasies to horror spectacles and deeply personal shorts.

Let’s take a closer look at the lineup.

Indonesia

Indonesia dominates the Southeast Asian slate with six films across multiple categories, reflecting the country’s thriving film industry and storytelling diversity.

• Mothernet (Esok Tanpa Ibu)
  A moving sci-fi drama about a teenager guided by artificial intelligence after her mother’s accident. Directed by Wi Ding Ho and starring Dian Sastrowardoyo, this cross-border project premieres in the Vision – Asia section.
• On Your Lap (Pangku)
  The directorial debut of Reza Rahadian, one of Indonesia’s most acclaimed actors. The film offers a poignant look at the life of a kopi pangku waitress during the turbulent economic crisis of 1998.
• Rangga & Cinta
  Directed by Riri Riza, this highly anticipated film reimagines the iconic romance of Ada Apa dengan Cinta? for Gen-Z audiences. It holds its world premiere in A Window on Asian Cinema.
• The Fox King
  A Malaysia–Indonesia collaboration directed by Woo Ming Jin, featuring Dian Sastrowardoyo. The story follows twin siblings on the run, blending folklore and drama.
• Throughout These Cages (Sekat Sekat)
  A 16-minute short film by Aaron Pratama, competing in the Asian Short Film Competition. It captures a family dispute over inherited property, wrapped in subtle yet powerful emotions.
• Dancing Village: The Curse Begins (Badarawuhi di Desa Penari)
  The horror prequel to Indonesia’s box-office hit KKN di Desa Penari. Selected for Special Screenings, it marks its Korean premiere at BIFF, continuing Indonesia’s tradition of exporting compelling horror stories.
  
  

Malaysia

• The Fox King
  A joint effort with Indonesia, highlighting Malaysia’s growing role in co-productions.
• Mothernet
  Though co-produced with Indonesia and Singapore, the film carries strong Malaysian creative DNA, directed by Wi Ding Ho.
  
  

Philippines

• 10s Across the Borders
  A documentary co-produced by the Philippines, Germany, and Singapore, it shines a spotlight on cross-cultural narratives. While not tied to a specific BIFF section, its inclusion underscores the Philippines’ growing reputation in global documentary cinema.
  
  

Singapore 

• Amoeba
  Directed by Siyou Tan, this coming-of-age feature explores themes of identity and belonging, capturing the spirit of Singapore’s indie cinema. The story follows a teenager who navigates family ties and friendships while searching for a sense of self in a world of constant change.
• Renoir
  A co-production with Japan under Akanga Film Asia, this film signals Singapore’s growing role in cross-border art-house cinema. It unfolds as a contemplative drama about two individuals from different backgrounds who discover connection through art and memory.
• Fruit
  This short film by Jen Nee Lim shows that Singaporean filmmakers are also making their mark in the short film circuit. Using subtle gestures and symbolism, it delicately portrays the fragile bond between a child and a parent.
• A Useful Ghost
  A Thai–Singaporean collaboration, this film blends black comedy and fantasy, presented in the A Window on Asian Cinema section. After the death of a family member, a “useful ghost” appears in the household, blurring grief, humor, and the surreal.
• 10s Across the Borders
  Another international co-production involving Singapore, Germany, and the Philippines, this documentary captures the lives of queer communities across Southeast Asia, highlighting resilience, expression, and solidarity.
• Mothernet
  Singapore contributes to this ambitious sci-fi project alongside Malaysia and Indonesia.
  
  

Thailand 

• A Useful Ghost
  Directed by Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke, this black comedy fantasy plays with dark humor and surrealism, making it a standout in the A Window on Asian Cinema section.
  
  

Cambodia

• Becoming Human
  This introspective drama grapples with questions of humanity and modern Cambodian identity. It follows a man confronting moral and social dilemmas that challenge what it means to remain human in contemporary Cambodia.
• Whisperings of the Moon
  A poetic film that explores folklore and spirituality, it echoes Cambodia’s cultural heritage. Set in a rural village, the story delves into superstition and communal life, with the moon serving as both a spiritual and symbolic guide.