Netflix and BIFF Reignite Creative Asia 2025: A Powerhouse Celebration of Storytelling, Innovation, and Global Talent

To mark the 30th anniversary of the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), Netflix is bringing back Creative Asia—and this year, it’s not just returning, it’s leveling up.

Bigger, bolder, and more immersive than ever, Creative Asia 2025 is set to be a landmark event for emerging filmmakers across Asia, offering a rare chance to learn directly from some of the most visionary creators in global entertainment.

Happening September 20 at Dongseo University Centum Campus Convention Hall, the one-day summit is a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and cross-cultural storytelling. It’s where rising talent meets cinematic legends, and where the future of Asian content gets a serious boost.

This year’s program features an extraordinary roster of speakers from Netflix’s global creative network, including:

• Guillermo del Toro (Frankenstein), the Oscar-winning master of fantasy and horror
• Yeon Sang-ho (Hellbound, Revelations), Korea’s trailblazer in genre storytelling
• Maggie Kang (KPop Demon Hunters), redefining animation through cultural fusion
• Leste Chen (The Resurrected), a director known for pushing boundaries in both film and series
• Yui Miyamori (Last Samurai Standing), a visionary in historical production design

Together, they’ll lead exclusive sessions designed to inspire, educate, and challenge the next wave of storytellers.

Three-Part Forum: From Industry Insight to Creative Mastery

The day kicks off with a Press Special, an invite-only session featuring BIFF Program Director Karen Park and Netflix’s Minyoung Kim, VP of APAC (ex-India) Content. They’ll share fresh insights into the region’s evolving content landscape and Netflix’s role in shaping it.

Next, the APAC Production Panel, moderated by Netflix’s Sung Q Lee, Sr Director of Production (APAC ex-India), dives into the future of local productions—exploring innovation, investment, and the push for safer, more sustainable filmmaking environments across Asia.

Creator Sessions: Where Vision Meets Craft

The heart of Creative Asia 2025 lies in its creator-led sessions, where storytelling meets hands-on expertise:

• Masters of Imagination: Guillermo del Toro & Yeon Sang-ho in Conversation
  Discover how mythical worlds are born as these two genre giants unpack their creative processes and share advice with aspiring filmmakers.
• Behind the Scenes of KPop Demon Hunters with Maggie Kang
  Learn how to blend Korean heritage with global pop culture in animation, as Kang reveals the journey behind her hit film and offers practical tips for animated storytelling.
• Breaking the Mold of Period Filmmaking with Yui Miyamori
  Step into the world of historical design with Miyamori, who reimagines the past through bold visual storytelling and shares her approach to crafting immersive cinematic worlds.
• Shifting the Lens: Directing Film vs. Series with Leste Chen
  Explore the art of adapting direction and production techniques for different formats, as Chen breaks down the nuances of storytelling across film and streaming platforms.

Closing Session: Global Training for Local Talent

The day wraps with a deep-dive training on screenwriting and directing, co-hosted by the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA) and led by Hollywood veterans Joe Peracchio and Michael Lehmann. As part of the 2025 KOCCA x Netflix Production Academy, this session introduces global best practices to Korean creatives, helping them navigate the fast-changing OTT landscape and sharpen their skills in planning, writing, and production.

Creative Asia 2025 isn’t just a one-day event—it’s a statement. A celebration of BIFF’s legacy, a spotlight on Asia’s rising talent, and a testament to Netflix’s ongoing commitment to nurturing the next generation of storytellers. With support from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) and KOCCA, this initiative reflects a powerful collaboration between global platforms and local voices.

Whether you’re an aspiring director, a seasoned producer, or simply passionate about the future of entertainment, Creative Asia 2025 is where stories begin—and where the next chapter of Asian cinema takes flight.