Film Festival Awards
The 29th Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival (Bifan) in South Korea has come to a close, with several films taking home top prizes. The main prize and audience award were won by Norwegian filmmaker Emilie Bichfeldt for her twisted version of the classic Cinderella story, The Ugly Stepsister. This film marks Bichfeldt’s feature debut and stars Lea Myren, Thea Sofie Loch Næss, and Ane Dahl Torp.
International Recognition
The Ugly Stepsister premiered at the beginning of this year as a Sundance Midnight opening selection and also played at the Berlinale. The film has been acquired by Shudder for distribution in North America, the UK, and ANZ. The Bifan’s Best Director Choice Award was given to Reflection of a Dead Diamond Cat by Belgian filmmakers Bruno Forzani and Hélène Cattet. This thriller, which focuses on a retired spy, premiered in competition at the Berlinale.
Horror Comedy and Korean Films
The jury’s award went to the horror comedy There’s Something in the Barn, directed by Mickey Keating and starring Alison Brie and Dave Franco. This film also premiered at Sundance, where it was acquired by Neon. The Best Korean Fantastic Film Award was given to Kim Min-Ha’s Teaching Practice: Idiot Girl and School Spirits 2. The Best Director Award in the Korean Fantastic: Features Section was awarded to Kim Bo-Sol for The Square.
Actor and Audience Awards
Korean Fantastic Actor Awards were given to Han Sun-Hwa for Teaching Practice: Idiot Girl and School Spirits 2 and Kwon Yong-Geun for Delirium in the Classroom. A special mention was given to Yang Mal-Bok for Chicken. The Korean Fantastic Audience Award went to Chicken, directed by Lee Yu-Jin. Delirium in the Classroom, directed by Seo Eun-Young, won both the Nonghyup Distribution Award and the Watcha Choice for Korean Fantastic.
Additional Awards and Screenings
The Méliès International Festivals Federation (MIFF) prize was awarded to South Korean film I Kill You, directed by Yoo Ha. The NetPac Prize was given to Japanese film Young & Good, directed by Toshiya Kominami. The Odd Family Award went to New Zealand film Bookworm, directed by Ant Timpson. This year’s edition of the genre festival included 103 feature films, 77 shorts, 11 AI films, and 26 XR works.
Closing Film and Festival Conclusion
The final film of the festival was the world premiere of family drama The Restaurant, directed by South Korea’s Han Jay. This is the first time a Korean title has closed the Bifan festival in five years. While the final film was shown, the festival will continue until Sunday, July 13.
