By Kim Seon Ah

Marking its 30th year, the annual Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) on Sept. 17 starts its 10-day run.

Hosted by actor Lee Byung-hun, the opening ceremony begins at 7 p.m. at the outdoor theater of Busan Cinema Center in the city's Haeundae-gu District.

This year's opening film is "No Other Choice," the latest work by director Park Chan-wook that makes its Asian premiere following screenings at the Venice International Film Festival of Italy and Toronto International Film Festival of Canada.

BIFF's official lineup covers 241 films, 17 more than last year, a figure that rises to 328 if works presented at related programs are included.

Fourteen Asian films have been invited to compete in the newly launched Busan Awards. Five prizes will be awarded: Best Film, Best Director, Special Jury, Best Actor and Artistic Contribution.

The entries include "Two Seasons, Two Strangers" (Japan) starring Shim Eun Kyung; "Seven O'clock Breakfast Club for the Brokenhearted" (Korea) directed by Lim Sun-ae; and "Gloaming in Luomu" (China) directed by Zhang Lu.

For its 30th edition, BIFF has expanded its special programs like ones spotlighting the works of noted Italian director Marco Bellocchio and French actor Juliette Binoche.

"Icon," a section for the latest works by master filmmakers, boasts a record-high 33 films this year, up from 17 last year.

"Vision," which eyes the discovery of emerging Asian filmmakers and independent cinema, has also been expanded across Asia with 12 works from Korea and 11 from Asia.

A sing-along screening of the Netflix blockbuster "KPop Demon Hunters" -- the first in Korea -- will be held at Sohyang Theater Shinhan Card Hall of Dongseo University.

The festival expanded its interactive programs such as master classes with directors and actors sharing their creative experiences with audiences, "Community BIFF" with the public and the regional screening project "BIFF Everywhere."

The closing ceremony is slated for Sept. 26 at the outdoor theater of Busan Cinema Center. Unlike in previous years, major filmmakers will present awards and the winners will be announced live at the site.

sofiakim218@korea.kr