# Busan Film Festival announces jury lineups for four awards

> The 31st BIFF has named judges for the Mecenat, Sonje, Netpac and Fipresci prizes across documentary and feature competitions.
- Title: Busan Film Festival announces jury lineups for four awards
- Summary: The 31st BIFF has named judges for the Mecenat, Sonje, Netpac and Fipresci prizes across documentary and feature competitions. Busan's 31st edition has…
- Keywords: busan international film festival, biff, film festivals, mecenat award, sonje award, netpac award, fipresci award, rintu thomas, kim taeil, zhou hao, south korea, documentary film
- Source: Variety — https://variety.com/2026/film/festivals/busan-jury-members-mecenat-sonje-netpac-fipresci-awards-1236863934
- Author: Naman Ramachandran
- Published: 2026-09-16T06:44:43+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: busan international film festival, biff, film festivals, mecenat award, sonje award, netpac award, fipresci award, rintu thomas, kim taeil, zhou hao, south korea, documentary film
## Busan announces four award juries
The 31st Busan International Film Festival has finalized jury members for the Mecenat, Sonje, Netpac and Fipresci awards.
## Mecenat Award targets Asian documentaries
The BIFF Mecenat Award goes to a standout Korean or Asian documentary in Wide Angle Competition and carries a prize of $7,300.
## Rintu Thomas joins Mecenat jury
Thomas co-directed "Writing With Fire," which won a Peabody Award, earned an Oscar nomination and took home two Sundance prizes.
## Kim Taeil brings decades of experience
Kim has spent years on his People's World History project and previously won the BIFF Mecenat Award itself for "Raining Dust" in 2025.
## Zhou Hao rounds out documentary panel
The former journalist has built observational work tracking ordinary lives and urban change, including "The Chinese Mayor," which won prizes at Sundance and Golden Horse.
## Key takeaway

Busan's 31st edition has finalized jury members for four major award categories, with documentary filmmakers judging the Mecenat prize.