Netflix Expands Creative Asia at BIFF 2025, Nurturing New Voices in Film

Netflix, in partnership with the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), is bringing back Creative Asia for its second year - bigger and bolder to celebrate BIFF's 30th anniversary.

Creative Asia 2025 will bring together leading talent from across the globe, providing a unique chance for rising filmmakers from across Asia to learn directly from Netflix's network of acclaimed creators, which include directors Guillermo del Toro ( Frankenstein ), Yeon Sang-ho ( Hellbound, Revelations ), Maggie Kang ( KPop Demon Hunters ), Leste Chen ( The Resurrected ) and production designer Yui Miyamori ( Last Samurai Standing ).

Dedicated to emerging filmmakers, creatives, and production professionals, this year's expanded program features a three-part forum for press, industry leaders, and aspiring storytellers, offering an educational and immersive experience.

The day begins with an invite-only Press Special, featuring a welcome from BIFF's Program Director Karen Park and new insights from Minyoung Kim, VP of APAC (ex-India) Content at Netflix. An APAC Production Panel, moderated by Sung Q Lee, Sr Director of Production (APAC ex-India), will tackle innovation and investment in local productions and how the industry is fostering safer, more sustainable filmmaking environments.

Following this, the program shifts to a series of highly anticipated creator sessions, where master storytellers and world-class production experts will share their expertise. Highlights include:

• Masters of Imagination: Guillermo del Toro & Yeon Sang-ho in Conversation Learn how to find inspiration and bring mythical creatures to life as Oscar-winning director Guillermo del Toro and acclaimed Korean filmmaker Yeon Sang-ho share their creative processes with new filmmakers.

• Behind the Scenes of KPop Demon Hunters with Maggie Kang Discover how to blend cultural heritage and global pop culture in animation as director Maggie Kang reveals the creative journey behind the global hit KPop Demon Hunters , and offers practical insights into developing and producing animated films.

• Breaking the Mold of Period Filmmaking with Yui Miyamori Explore innovative approaches to production design for historical films with Yui Miyamori, who will guide attendees through her creative process in building the unique world of Last Samurai Standing and share tips on reimagining history for the screen.

• Shifting the Lens: Directing Film vs. Series with Leste Chen Gain firsthand knowledge on the differences between directing for film and streaming series as renowned director Leste Chen discusses how to adapt storytelling, direction, and production techniques for different formats.

The day concludes with a deep dive training session on screenwriting and directing, co-hosted with the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA) and led by Hollywood veterans Joe Peracchio and Michael Lehmann. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) and KOCCA, in collaboration with Netflix, are running the '2025 KOCCA x Netflix Production Academy' to foster talent in the OTT and content production industries. As part of this joint initiative, the session introduces global industry practices to aspiring Korean creatives, helping TV series producers better understand the fast-changing entertainment landscape while equipping creators with new skills in planning, writing, and more - taught from a global point of view.

Taking place on September 20 at Dongseo University Centum Campus Convention Hall, Creative Asia at BIFF 2025 reflects Netflix's ongoing commitment to nurturing new talent and supporting the growth of the storytelling community in partnership with local industry stakeholders.