“Female-character pioneer” Yangzichung (Michelle Yeoh) heads to Busan after 15 years

A living legend in Hollywood and Asia’s film world, actress 'Yangzichung (Michelle Yeoh)' will step onto Busan’s red carpet for the first time in 15 years. The 31st 'Busan International Film Festival (BIFF)' said in an official announcement that it will present her with the Asian Filmmaker of the Year honor at the Oct. 6 opening ceremony and will run a special program that shines a spotlight on her filmography.

Return after 15 years, honoring a pioneer of independent female narratives

The BIFF executive committee praised the decision, saying, "Yangzichung not only led Hong Kong cinema’s revival period, but also broke out of standardized frameworks and carved out new ground for independent female characters as a unique pioneer." She made a forceful debut in 1985 with the film 'Yes Madam: Royal Family Residence'. She later proved her overwhelming presence in major works such as 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon' and 'Crazy Rich Asians'. In particular, through 'Everything Everywhere All at Once', which swept the world in 2022, she swept the top acting awards for best actress at major North American ceremonies and established herself as a global icon beyond the perceived limits of Asian actresses.

For her to visit Busan and share the screen with audiences is the first time in 15 years since the 2011 film 'The Lady'. In a special program arranged during this festival, the actress will personally select the masterpieces that fill the screens. Along with the three titles often cited as her representative works—'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon', 'Everything Everywhere All at Once', and 'Sandiwara'—a total of four films are set to be screened, including the previously shrouded new work 'Our Grandmother Is King Cube', promising a catharsis unforgettable for cinephiles.

Meanwhile, the 31st Busan International Film Festival—Asia’s largest film festival—kicks off a grand run from Oct. 6 through Oct. 15 in Busan, including 'the Cinema Center'.