PIFF changes name into BIFF

The Busan Cinema Center to be completed in September will be the largest cultural Cineplex in Asia with four large screening venues, including a multi-functional theater and 4,000-seat outdoor screening facility.
Courtesy of BIFF

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By Ines Min

The Pusan International Film Festival officially changed its identity to the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), Thursday.
The move follows a decade after the host city changed its name under new Romanization standards implemented in 2000.

"Film industry people often incorrectly assume that the place where the festival is held is different from the city, Busan", according to a statement. "The festival committee has decided to unite all the related names of the festival, such as events and facilities, with the name of the city".

Other changes include the Pusan Promotion Plan (PPP) being renamed the Asian Project Market (APM), and the festival's future hub will be known as the Busan Cinema Center.

The long-awaited complex will be completed in September, in time for the 16th annual event to be held Oct. 6 to 14. The Busan Cinema Center will be the largest cultural Cineplex in Asia with four large screening venues, including a multi-functional theater and 4,000-seat outdoor screening facility.

The official website has been changed accordingly, from www.piff.org to www.biff.kr.

In addition, the APM, previously held at Haeundae, will be moved to Centum City's Bexco, marking a move away from the popular beach area.

Organizers also unveiled this year's official poster, based on a photo by festival regular Abbas Kiarostami, a director and photographer. The final design was by BIFF art director Choi Soon-dae.