Park Jung-min and Aiki Take the Stage as BIKY Opens on Aug. 8

BIKY’s evolution: a screen revolt for the next generation, expanding its territory all the way to West Busan

The "21st Busan International Children’s and Youth Film Festival" (BIKY), which boasts the largest scale in Asia, will kick off its run from Aug. 8 through Aug. 14. The biggest talking point this year is "an expansion of space". Organizers have boldly widened the festival base beyond its traditional hub in Haeundae-gu to cover the West Busan area, fully reshaping the paradigm for cultural access. Under the intuitive, upbeat slogan "Hey kids, let’s go on a picnic", audiences will be welcomed by 179 masterworks selected from 41 countries worldwide.

The opening ceremony, which marks the start of the festival, will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 8 at the Sky Theater in the Busan Cinema Center. Broadcaster "Oh Sang-jin" and actor "Seo Su-bin" will take the mic. The ceremony’s momentum will be further heightened by the music of gayageum master "Kim Hye-jin" and a stage featuring the dance crew "Aiki and Hook", known for its unmistakable performances.

The opening film chosen for the lineup is director Alexander Murphy’s "Goodbye Sisters", a work that depicts the struggle of two sisters in Kathmandu, Nepal, as they set out for the Himalayas to raise money for studying abroad. The message of solidarity and growth that blooms even in harsh conditions perfectly captures the identity of this film festival.

This year, BIKY’s ambitious "Special Talk Show" goes beyond simply watching—it offers a three-dimensional channel for communication. Held from Aug. 9 to Aug. 13 at the Busan Cinema Center’s Junggeuk Theater and at the BIKY Lounge, the sessions will feature top figures from all walks of life.

• Choreographer "Aiki" — an unlimited challenge proven through movement

• Brain scientist "Jeong Jae-seung" — creative thinking viewed through the lens of science

• Actor "Park Jung-min" — a fierce life and art beyond the screen

A total of six mentors, including these figures, are expected to pass on living insights to future generations.

The seven-day marathon puts a capstone on an awards ceremony on Aug. 14 at 2 p.m. at the Ensemble Theater in the Nakdong Art Center. Awards for fiercely contested categories, screenings of workshop works, and the BIKies graduation ceremony will be held in succession, wrapping up the festival’s lingering afterglow. Detailed information on screening titles and the ticketing schedule can be found on the official website (www.biky.or.kr).