KOREAN NET

By Charles Audouin

Video = BiFan's official YouTube channel

The Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival, marking its 29th edition this year, is slated from June 3-13.

The event's executive committee on June 10 announced the screening of 271 films from 41 countries at this year's edition.

The works to be shown comprise 103 feature-length movies, 77 shorts, 11 made by artificial intelligence (AI) and 26 extended reality pieces.

The opening film, "About a Hero" (2024) by Polish director Piotr Winiewicz, is based on an AI-written screenplay about the harmonious balance between technology and human uniqueness amid AI's permeation throughout society.

Closing the festival will be "The Go-to Restaurant" (2025) by Korean director Han Jay. This work is about a family's solidarity and sheds light on the values of interpersonal communication, trust and community in contemporary society.

A retrospective of the works of actor Lee Byung-hun will screen 10 of his best films. He will appear at the opening ceremony, discussions and stage greeting.

"Bucheon Choice: AI Film," launched last year as the first international competition section for AI works at a domestic cinematic festival, will screen 11 works using AI in video, screenplay and sound production.

Other AI-related events will include a global conference and a film production workshop.

Official poster for 29th Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival (BIFAN)

caudouin@korea.kr