Director Shin Su-won named principal of 2026 Asia Film Academy

Director Yosep Anggi Noen to mentor directing; cinematographer Park Jung-hun to lead cinematography

Curriculum overhauled around 'pilot short' production

Director Shin Su-won, principal of the 2026 CHANEL X BIFF Asia Film Academy [Busan International Film Festival]

Director Shin Su-won has been appointed principal of the 2026 CHANEL X BIFF Asia Film Academy, which marks its 20th edition this year — making her the program's first female principal.

The Busan International Film Festival said Thursday that Shin's appointment "is expected to mark another turning point in expanding the diversity of Asian cinema, as she becomes the first woman to lead the CHANEL X BIFF Asia Film Academy."

One of South Korea's most critically acclaimed directors, Shin has earned consistent praise for her sharp social observations, deep empathy for marginalized figures, and precise filmmaking. Her short film "Circular Line" (2012) won the Canal Plus Award at the Cannes Film Festival's Critics' Week. She went on to receive a special mention at the Berlin International Film Festival for "Pluto" (2013) and an invitation to Cannes' Un Certain Regard section for "Madonna" (2015).

She has continued working steadily, with "Hommage" (2022) — a film about the lives of Korean women directors — and her upcoming domestic release "The Birth of Love," which won best film at the Florence Korean Film Festival.

The faculty joining Shin in running the academy this year has also been confirmed.

(Left) Director Yosep Anggi Noen, (right) cinematographer Park Jung-hun [Busan International Film Festival]

Indonesian filmmaker Yosep Anggi Noen has been named directing mentor. An Asia Film Academy alumnus from 2007, he drew international attention with his feature debut "The Year of the Nail" (2012), which screened in official selection at the Locarno Film Festival and received a special mention in the Dragons and Tigers section at the Vancouver International Film Festival. His short film "A Caddie Who Has Never Seen a Hole-in-One" (2013) won the Jiseok Award at the Busan International Film Festival.

Cinematographer Park Jung-hun returns as cinematography mentor for a second consecutive year. He made a strong impression on the international stage through "The Villainess" (2017), which screened at Cannes that year, and has received the cinematography award at both the Buil Film Awards and the Grand Bell Awards.

To mark its 20th edition, the Asia Film Academy has overhauled its curriculum around the production of "pilot shorts" — proof-of-concept films designed to lay the groundwork for fellows' future feature projects. Participants will develop a feature-length screenplay and then produce up to eight short films of five minutes or less based on that material.

Fellows selected for the 2026 Asia Film Academy will complete a 20-day program of professional training and mentoring in Busan from Sept. 26 to Oct. 15, during which they will produce their pilot short films. All eight completed films will screen officially at the 31st Busan International Film Festival.

balme@heraldcorp.com