Busan Film Fest Showcases Unique Indo-French-Sri Lankan Co-Production "Spying Stars"

In September 2025, the Busan International Film Festival, one of Asia's most prestigious film events, announced the lineup for its first-ever competition section in its 30-year history. Among the 14 films selected was "Spying Stars," an Indo-French-Sri Lankan co-production directed by Sri Lanka's Caméra d'Or-winning filmmaker Vimukthi Jayasundara.

This marks the second time Indian producer Nila Madhab Panda has been associated with the Busan Film Festival. Last year, a film he produced, "Sad Letters of an Imaginary Woman," was screened in the festival's A Window on Asian Cinema section. This year, Panda is returning with the unique collaborative project "Spying Stars," which he says is the only Indian film in the competition.

Panda recalls that he and Vimukthi were international jury members at the 51st International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in 2021. During a dinner conversation, Vimukthi spoke about an idea that has now materialized into the film "Spying Stars." Panda calls supporting Vimukthi's vision a "spiritual journey," praising the filmmaker's "deep reflection on nature, AI and his poetic connection with the metaphysical world" that makes the film "a powerful and timely" work.

The selection of "Spying Stars" as the sole Indian entry in Busan's 30th-anniversary competition section is a significant achievement, reflecting the festival's commitment to showcasing diverse and innovative cinematic voices from across Asia.