The 30th Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival (BIFAN) is set to captivate audiences from September 17 to September 26, 2025, with a diverse and rich program. This year's festival will mark the first appearance of 42-year-old actor Kazuki Kazuya, who will join a distinguished roster of talent, including acclaimed Korean actors Lee Byung-hun, Song Hye-kyo, and Kim Yoo-jung.
BIFAN announced its comprehensive lineup on August 28th, highlighting its significant position in Asia's cinematic landscape. A central attraction is the "Actors House" program, known for facilitating insightful discussions with celebrated actors about their careers. Tickets for these popular sessions are priced at 15,000 won (approximately $10) and are known to sell out quickly.
Kazuki Kazuya is also generating buzz for his upcoming role in "Exit No. 8," directed by Kim Yong-hwa, which is scheduled for release on August 29th. BIFAN is recognized as Asia's largest genre film festival, drawing a global audience of film enthusiasts and industry professionals.
This year's festival will also feature an AI Film section, showcasing 11 AI-created works, underscoring BIFAN's commitment to exploring emerging technologies in filmmaking. In 2024, BIFAN pioneered Korea's first international AI film competition and hosted an AI conference and workshop. The festival aims to train 10,000 AI-based content creators over the next five years through the establishment of the AI Visual Education Center Bucheon, demonstrating its forward-thinking approach to fostering innovation in the film community.