BIFAN 2025 Closes With Groundbreaking AI Vision And Record-Breaking Engagement

The 29th Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival (BIFAN 2025) wrapped up its spectacular 11-day run on July 13, redefining the future of genre cinema with bold innovations in artificial intelligence and community-centered programming.

With a vibrant showcase of 221 films from 41 countries, including 54 World Premieres, BIFAN 2025 maintained a remarkable 88.7% seat occupancy rate—a clear testament to its growing global appeal. Among the featured titles, a notable 11 films were created using AI, further cementing BIFAN’s role as a global leader in cutting-edge cinema.

A World First: Training 10,000 AI Filmmakers

BIFAN 2025 marked a revolutionary step forward with the launch of the AI Film Institute Bucheon, a visionary initiative aimed at training 10,000 AI-powered filmmakers over the next five years. Festival Director Shin Chul and Bucheon city officials signed a landmark MOU with SBS A&T, ushering in a new era of AI-driven storytelling and film education.

Complementing this, the AI International Conference and reimagined Fantastic Film School: AI Workshop explored the evolving ethics, potential, and artistry of AI in cinema. The festival screened 22 AI-generated short films and XR works, positioning Bucheon as a future hub for technological storytelling.

Global Collaboration: Spotlight on France

This year’s Focus: France initiative brought notable French delegates such as CNC President Gaëtan Bruel and French Institute Korea Director Pierre Morcos to Bucheon, fostering cross-cultural dialogue through cinema. Two French-Korean co-productions were introduced, highlighting the festival’s expanding international partnerships.

Immersive Worlds and Cultural Landmarks

The immersive XR exhibition “Beyond Reality” returned with record-breaking attendance, held at Bucheon Art Bunker B39 and the Bucheon Astronomical Science Museum’s dome theater—bringing space-themed experiences to Korean audiences for the first time.

A Star-Studded Celebration

Held at the newly opened Bucheon Art Center, the opening ceremony dazzled with a high-energy performance by artist Choi HoJong and appearances by top stars like Lee ByungHun, Claudia Kim, Yoo JiTae, and Zo InSung. Lee, the subject of the special “Act in Focus” retrospective, also drew over 24,000 visitors to his dedicated exhibition.

Record Attendance and Community Joy

BIFAN welcomed over 37,000 attendees to its film screenings and engaged a total of 50,000 visitors through vibrant community events like the Chicken & Beer Festival, Strange Lawn Concert, and Together Market. Audience favorites like ‘FantaCine with HANMAC’ hit 100% capacity, with 79.8% of screenings sold out—a dramatic leap from last year’s 56.6%.