The 30th Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival (BIFAN) began its 10-day journey with an opening ceremony held on July 2.
The red carpet event was graced by both domestic and international film figures, including actor Fan Bingbing, director Yuen Woo-ping, actor Isabelle Huppert, and actor Josie Ho, adding to the excitement. Notably, the event was made even more meaningful as players, the manager, the general manager, and supporters of Bucheon FC 1995 joined Bucheon citizens in walking the red carpet.
The opening ceremony, held at the Bucheon Art Center, was directed by Song Seung-hwan. The celebratory performance, which explored the harmony between humanoid robots and humans, captivated the audience by artistically depicting BIFAN's leap toward the future.
During the ceremony, Organizing Committee Chairman Cho Yong-eek reflected on the horizons BIFAN has expanded over the past 30 years—a period as long as a generation—and stated that they have prepared a festival where both filmmakers and citizens are the protagonists as a representative genre film festival of the nation.
Following this, Organizing Committee Vice-Chair Chang Mi-hee looked back on BIFAN's 30-year history, describing it as an intense journey of challenging old conventions and proposing alternatives, and expressed her aspirations by saying, "This year, BIFAN intends to talk about the coexistence of the present and the future."
In particular, special awards were presented to world-renowned film figures to mark the 30th anniversary. First, the Fantastic Icon Award was presented to actor Josie Ho, who possesses a unique presence in the genre film industry. This was followed by the Global Icon Award for actor Fan Bingbing, who has captivated audiences worldwide. Finally, the Achievement Award was presented to the iconic French actor Isabelle Huppert.
Additionally, the ceremony included the investiture of BIFAN programmer Nam Jong-seok as a Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters. As one of the highest honors bestowed by the French government, this was a significant moment that recognized Nam's global contributions to expanding the base of genre films and fostering international exchange.
Subsequently, Honorary Organizing Committee Chairman Chung Ji-young introduced the opening film. He raised expectations for the opening film, Blades of the Guardians: Wind Rises in the Desert, by saying, "I hope you enjoy witnessing the new challenge taken on by director Yuen Woo-ping, who has left a significant mark on world action cinema." Director Yuen Woo-ping took the stage to share his thoughts on opening the 30th BIFAN, and Festival Director Shin Chul asked for continued support for the 30th BIFAN, which will run for the next 11 days, and for the next 30 years of the festival.
After the opening ceremony concluded, the screening of the opening film, Blades of the Guardians: Wind Rises in the Desert, took place at the Bucheon City Hall Eoulmadang. With the screening ending to the warm applause and enthusiastic response of the audience, the 30th BIFAN successfully wrapped up its first day.
Starting with this opening ceremony, the 30th BIFAN will meet audiences through 321 films, events, and experiential programs until July 12.
Reported by Kim Ji-hye | Produced by SBS Entertainment News
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