The Asian cinema Fund (ACF) a vital component of the Busan International Film Festival’s industry market, has unveiled its 2026 recipients. From a pool of 798 submissions, 12 projects have been chosen across three funding categories: script developmentpost-production and documentary production. These selections represent a rich tapestry of stories from seven different countries, with five projects being international co-productions.
The ACF, operating under the Asian Contents & Film Market (ACFM) plays a crucial role in supporting Asian cinema at various stages of production. This year’s selections highlight the fund’s commitment to nurturing unique voices and compelling narratives from the region.
Script Development Fund: Nurturing Emerging Voices
The Script Development Fund received an impressive 495 submissions, with three projects emerging as the standout selections. These projects not only receive a cash grant of KRW10 million ($6,480) but also a coveted spot in the Asian Project Market (APM) 2026 where they will have the opportunity to connect with producers and investors.
Babak directed by Payal Sethi is a Germany-India co-production that delves into the life of an Afghan refugee in Germany. Bon Voyage directed by Mehrnoush Alia is an Iran-U.S. co-production that explores the complex emotions of parents grappling with grief and responsibility after the loss of their daughter. Goldfish directed by Aditya Ahmad is set against the rich traditions of Sulawesi, Indonesia, and follows a 13-year-old boy as he navigates his relationship with his father. Ahmad, a graduate of the BIFF’s Asian Film Academy in 2014, brings a unique perspective to this coming-of-age story.
Post-Production Fund: Polishing Gems
The Post-Production Fund received 16 submissions, with two Korean independent features being selected for support. These films have completed filming and editing and will receive in-kind support from Korean post-production companies, covering color grading, sound mixing, English subtitle spotting, and DCP production. Additionally, each project will receive a KRW3 million ($1,945) cash grant.
Not for You directed by Shin Dongmin centers on a person bereaved by suicide, offering a poignant exploration of loss and healing. Some Detective directed by Kim Miyoung follows an aspiring crime novelist whose real-life encounters force an internal reckoning. Both films are scheduled to have their world premieres at the 31st Busan International Film Festival which runs from October 6 to 15, 2026.
Asian Network of Documentary (AND) Fund: Amplifying Nonfiction Stories
The Asian Network of Documentary (AND) Fund received 287 submissions and offers up to KRW20 million ($12,965) per project. This year’s selections showcase a diverse range of nonfiction stories from across Asia. The Asian Project category includes Floating House by Liu Shubo (China), which explores a diaspora community’s search for belonging; Tongues of Fire by Alyx Ayn Arumpac (Philippines), which examines a society divided over historical accountability; and We Are Volcanoes co-directed by Sharon Yeung and Natalie Chao (U.K./Norway), which centers on women pursuing justice.
The Korean Project category includes The Alleyway by Emmanuel Moonchil Park which delves into the tensions surrounding a mosque construction; Our Waves by Jang Minkyung which focuses on families affected by mental illness; Pellong Pellong: The Untold Glitter of That Day by Jude Hwirin Kang which revisits the memory of Jeju 4·3; and When Words Return by Jung Sueun which examines histories of forced mobilization and war. These documentary projects employ a variety of creative approaches, including archival footage, 8mm film, animation, and reenactment.
AND Fund projects will be introduced to international industry professionals through Doc Square ACFM’s documentary program, which includes a Documentary WIP Showcase for works in progress. Script Development Fund projects will enter the APM 2026 business meeting program, and Post-Production Fund projects will screen at BIFF.
The 21st Asian Contents & Film Market is scheduled for October 10–13, 2026. At ACFM’s 2026 edition, its largest to date, total on-site attendance reached 30,006 and the Sales Market recorded an estimated $71.1 million in transactions.
