Iranian director Majid Majidi will premiere his latest feature film, Midday Meal, at South Korea’s prestigious Busan International Film Festival. The family drama has earned a place in the festival’s main competition section. The selection marks the acclaimed director’s first official appearance at the South Korean event.
The Institute for the Intellectual Development of Children and Young Adults funded the entire production. Majidi filmed the 129-minute feature exclusively at remote locations across southern Iran. He also recruited a local non-professional cast to deliver authentic performances without established stars.
The project reunited Majidi with cinematographer Houman Behmanesh following their successful collaboration on Sun Children. The film focuses on young people and explores important global human rights issues through their perspectives.
This year’s festival holds additional international significance after receiving official A-list recognition. As a result, films that win top honors in Busan can qualify for direct Academy Award submissions. The festival now joins leading international events such as Cannes, Venice, Berlin, Toronto, and Sundance.
Fourteen Asian feature films will compete for the festival’s main award. Twelve entries, including Majidi’s drama, will make their world premieres. Four female directors and four first-time filmmakers also have works in the competition.
The international competition lineup features films from Taiwan, Indonesia, and Uzbekistan. Directors Hirose Nanako, Lim Hayeon, and Gu You will also present competing works. The selection offers audiences a diverse range of contemporary Asian cinematic storytelling.
Majidi has earned international acclaim for films such as Children of Heaven and Baran. Children of Heaven received an Academy Award nomination for Best International Feature Film. Majidi later directed the major historical production Muhammad: The Messenger of God.
The 31st Busan International Film Festival will take place from October 6 to October 15. Industry professionals will also participate in the Asian Contents and Film Market in mid-October. The event continues to showcase Asian filmmaking talent to international audiences.