The Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival (formerly known as the Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival or PiFan) focuses on South Korean and international fantasy, mystery, horror and thriller films. It pays particular attention to Asian cinema, showcasing an impressive selection of films made in Southeast Asia and East Asia.
BiFan’s programming consists of eight sections. They are Bucheon Choice (international feature and short film competition), Korean Fantastic (Korean feature and short fantastic film competition), World Fantastic Red (hardcore films), Wold Fantastic Blue, Family Zone, Forbidden Zone, Fantastic Short Films, and Special Programs. Sections may vary from year to year but the organizers always make sure to showcase the best of Korean and international genre films.
The Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival presents several awards to the best films. The main award of the festival is Bucheon Choice. It is presented in a number of categories such as Best of Bucheon (best international film), Best Short Film, Best Actress, Best Actor, Jury’s Choice for Short Film. A separate jury presents Best Korean Short Film Award. Other awards presented at BiFan include three Audience Awards (best international feature, best international short, best Korean short), EFFFF Asian Award, NETPAC Award, and BiFan Children’s Award.
BiFan is a supporting member of the European Fantastic Film Festivals Federation. One of Asia’s most important events of its kind, it brings together numerous film enthusiasts from different countries, offering them creative and progressive programming. Alongside film screenings, the festival hosts industry events such as the Network of Asian Fantastic Films (NAFF), the BiFan Industry Gathering (BIG), Korea Now, Made in Asia, and New Media.
Photo: bifan.kr
