Busan:The Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) has chosen the Korean film "The Table: Day and Night" as its opening feature this year, departing from the large-scale films with intense narratives that typically kicked off the event in recent years.
According to Yonhap News Agency, "The Table: Day and Night" is a quiet anthology directed by Kim Jong-kwan, featuring a series of conversations set in a cafe. The film presents four different episodes that showcase the mood, emotions, and personal stories of characters, portrayed by an ensemble cast including Kim Min-ha, Joo Jong-hyuk, Han Sun-hwa, Chang Ryul, Shim Eun-kyung, Lee Hee-jun, Jeon So-young, and Kim Dong-hwi.
The selection marks a shift from previous opening films at BIFF, such as the Netflix Korean original film "Uprising" in 2024 and Park Chan-wook's "No Other Choice" in 2025. BIFF organizers highlighted the film's portrayal of "delightful, unpretentious and lovely conversations" and its effective use of the cafe setting as a place where strangers meet.
Jeong Ji-hye, a BIFF programmer, noted that the film captures the subtle nuances of human relationships without relying on dramatic narratives. Director Kim Jong-kwan emphasized his focus on capturing meaningful moments through simple conversations, encouraging audiences to explore the characters' backgrounds and future directions.
Kim also shared that the title "Day and Night" could symbolize various interpretations, such as the interconnectedness of seemingly opposing concepts. He expressed gratitude to the production crew and BIFF for acknowledging the film's exploration of small, intimate worlds.