Busan 2026: Oscar Director Majidi Condemns US War on Major Festival Stage

TVS News AI, editorially supervised, presents Busan 2026: Oscar Director Majidi Condemns US War on Major Festival Stage.

Majid Majidi was close to staying away from the Busan International Film Festival 2026. The Oscar-nominated Iranian director then decided to travel after all – not primarily for the premiere of his new film Midday Meal, but to speak about something else: the consequences of the US war for Iran's civilian population.

So a film premiere became a political indictment, right in the middle of Asia's leading film festival.

Why Majidi almost skipped Busan

The Busan International Film Festival is one of the most important Asian film events. Majidi, who enjoys international fame as an Oscar-nominated director, is no stranger there. This year, however, he considered canceling the trip to South Korea, as the Hollywood Reporter reports.

The reason: the ongoing conflict between the US and Iran. Majidi did not want to stay silent while his homeland was being bombed. He changed his mind – and traveled "to speak about the impact of the war on ordinary Iranians," as the report puts it.

What Majidi Said in Busan

In a written statement distributed via the Iranian broadcaster Press TV, the director formulated his protest sharply. He wrote on Sunday:

Today, the great Iran, on behalf of all oppressed people across the world is resisting against the child-killing Israel and US.

During his appearance in Busan, Majidi condemned civilian casualties and the consequences of international sanctions for the Iranian population. Words that are unusual at a film festival – and that show how deeply the conflict cuts into the everyday lives of Iranian artists.

"Midday Meal" – Festival Standout with Political Undercurrent

At the same time, Majidi's new film is drawing attention in Busan. The Variety review describes the drama as moving: Majidi tests the limits of a compassion that arises from frustration over missing state care. A community stands at the center that feels abandoned.

The film is thus not only a festival highlight, but also a quiet counterpoint to his director's loud words. The combination of both – standout and political indictment – makes Majidi's appearance one of the most-discussed moments at this year's festival.

What This Means for You as a Festival Fan

If you're watching festival reports and industry news over the coming weeks, you should know: Midday Meal comes with clear political context. Majidi visibly uses the film as a vehicle to address the situation in Iran – and makes no secret of how he assesses the role of the US and Israel in the current conflict. For Busan 2026, this is a rare moment in which art and foreign policy become inseparably linked on one of Asia's biggest stages.