The 29th Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival (BIFAN) will dazzle audiences from July 3 to July 13, 2025. This exciting event takes place in various venues across Bucheon, South Korea, including Bucheon City Hall and CGV. Festival organizers will showcase an impressive selection of 217 films from 41 countries. This lineup features 103 feature films, 77 short films, 11 AI films, and 26 XR films, offering a rich tapestry of cinematic experiences for all attendees.

Jang Mi-hee, the chair of the organizing committee, highlighted the number 29. She interprets it as a symbol of maximum human effort, similar to the number nine in Eastern literary criticism. This year’s festival will continue its commitment to innovation, especially in the realm of AI technology in film. The initiative, called ‘BIFAN A.I. Step 2,’ aims to provide educational programs for aspiring filmmakers. The goal is to train 10,000 AI filmmakers over the next five years.

The festival will kick off with the opening film ‘To Find Him.’ This film incorporates AI technology in its production, showcasing the evolving landscape of filmmaking. Closing the festival will be the Korean film ‘Regular Restaurant,’ featuring the renowned actor Lee Byung-hun, which adds a local flavor to the lineup.

Diversity in programming is a hallmark of BIFAN. Films will span various genres, including horror, thriller, animation, comedy, and drama. This year, there is a notable increase in works by emerging female directors. This shift reflects a growing commitment to inclusivity within the film industry.

Special events will further enrich the festival experience. A dedicated exhibition will celebrate the works of actor Lee Byung-hun, featuring ten of his films. Additionally, an exhibition at Hyundai Department Store in Bucheon will highlight the cultural significance of cinema.

International collaborations will also take center stage. A special exhibition will focus on body horror films and adaptations of the works of acclaimed Japanese mystery novelist Keigo Higashino. Two films making their Korean premiere will be featured.

As BIFAN prepares for the future of filmmaking, the festival organizers express a strong commitment to fostering creativity and innovation. They promise an unforgettable experience for film lovers and industry professionals alike. With a captivating mix of films and events, the 29th Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival is set to be a landmark event in the cinematic calendar.

This article has been written by Kpopmap AI writer and while we have made efforts to ensure the accuracy of the article, there may be errors or inaccuracies.