{"id":853,"date":"2026-05-12T13:26:25","date_gmt":"2026-05-12T13:26:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kstories.kr\/en\/ent260511001-en\/"},"modified":"2026-05-12T13:26:25","modified_gmt":"2026-05-12T13:26:25","slug":"ent260511001-en","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kstories.kr\/en\/ent260511001-en\/","title":{"rendered":"Busan Asia Film School (AFiS) Students and Alumni Shine at Cannes Film Festival with Five Projects, Cementing Global Standing"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Busan Asia Film School (AFiS) Students and Alumni Shine at Cannes Film Festival with Five Projects, Cementing Global Standing<\/div>\n

The Busan Asia Film School (AFiS), operated by the Busan Film Commission, has firmly established its global competitiveness as a leading Asian film education institution. At the 79th Cannes Film Festival, AFiS saw five films and projects, involving 10 graduates and current students from six countries, gain significant recognition. The school achieved notable success across various categories, from official selections to market and industry programs, significantly elevating its international profile.<\/p>\n

AFiS's Cannes Triumphs: From Official Selections to Market Success<\/h2>\n

The Busan Asia Film School (AFiS) captured the attention of the global film industry at the 79th Cannes Film Festival, showcasing five films and projects in which its graduates and current students played key roles. This achievement underscores AFiS's evolution beyond merely nurturing Asian film talent to becoming a central hub for international co-productions and cultural exchange. The school's presence was prominent not only in official selections but also across various market and industry programs, solidifying its international standing.<\/p>\n

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In the official 'Un Certain Regard' section of the Cannes Film Festival, the Nepalese feature film 'ELEPHANTS IN THE FOG,' produced by 2019 AFiS graduate Anup Poudel, received the prestigious invitation. This marks a historic first for Nepalese cinema in this category. 'ELEPHANTS IN THE FOG' had previously garnered international recognition, winning the Pop-Up Film Residency Award at the Busan International Film Festival's Asian Project Market (APM) in 2021. Producer Anup Poudel had already demonstrated his capabilities, earning a 'Special Mention' in the short film competition at the 75th Cannes Film Festival for his short film 'Lori,' further cementing his reputation.<\/p>\n

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Furthermore, in the 'Immersive Competition' \u2014 a category that combines augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) \u2014 the short film 'YELLOWFIN,' directed by Nieva Jan-Kyle (Philippines, 2026 AFiS current student), was invited, presenting a novel cinematic experience. This highlights the active participation of AFiS talents at the forefront of filmmaking technology.<\/p>\n

AFiS Talents Shine in Independent Sections and Industry Programs<\/h2>\n

The co-production expertise of AFiS alumni also shone brightly in Cannes' independent sections, 'Directors' Fortnight' and 'Critics' Week.' The film '9 TEMPLES TO HEAVEN,' invited to 'Directors' Fortnight,' originated as an AFiS development project in 2021. This project exemplified international collaboration, with Kissada Kamyoung (Thailand, 2021 graduate) serving as producer, and Charlie Fung (Hong Kong, 2021 graduate) and Giovanni Rahmadeva (Indonesia, 2022 graduate) as co-producers.<\/p>\n

In the 'Critics' Week' short film competition, 'WHAT DO YOU SEEK IN THE DARK?,' a short film produced by Maenum Chagasik (Thailand, 2019 graduate) and co-produced by Samavee Pummuang (Thailand, 2024 graduate), was invited. This film brought the artistic endeavors of Asian filmmakers to a global audience. These achievements clearly demonstrate AFiS's contribution to actual film development and production, extending beyond mere education.<\/p>\n

AFiS alumni also garnered attention in various Cannes Film Festival industry programs, including emerging talent development programs and market initiatives. Fadhilla Ristianty (Indonesia, 2025 graduate) was selected for the 'New Producers Room,' an emerging producer development program within Cannes' 'Cin\u00e9ma de Demain.' Charlie Fung, who worked on '9 TEMPLES TO HEAVEN,' was recognized as a 'Producer to Watch' at the Cannes Film Market. Additionally, the AFiS-developed project 'MY MISSING HALF,' directed by Rodiell Veloso (Philippines, 2025 graduate) and produced by Tomomi Furuyama (Japan, 2025 graduate), was selected as a pitching project for the 'ATMOVIE Global Track,' further expanding opportunities for international co-production.<\/p>\n

AFiS's Vision and Role as an Asian Film Hub<\/h2>\n

These consecutive achievements at Cannes signify international recognition for AFiS's educational system and its capacity to cultivate talent. Anup Poudel, producer of 'ELEPHANTS IN THE FOG,' particularly emphasized the practical value of AFiS's education, stating, 'My educational experience at AFiS greatly helped expand my working methods and vision, becoming a crucial foundation for pursuing international co-productions.'<\/p>\n

Approaching its 10th anniversary next year, AFiS, as an international film business academy, annually produces around 20 Asian filmmakers, building a robust alumni network. This network serves as a vital foundation for fostering active exchange and co-production within the Asian film industry. AFiS is expected to continue playing a pivotal role in enhancing the global competitiveness of Asian cinema and supporting diverse cinematic endeavors.<\/p>\n

Through systematic education and practical opportunities, the Busan Asia Film School (AFiS) empowers Asian film talents to thrive on the world stage, thereby elevating its stature. The recent success at the Cannes Film Festival decisively showcases AFiS's critical role in demonstrating 'the power of Asian cinema nurtured by Busan' to the world, making its future endeavors highly anticipated.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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