The film begins with a quote by German filmmaker Werner Herzog: ¡°a computer will not make a film as good as mine in 4,500 years,¡± Director Piotr, perhaps deliberately choosing an artist who stands in stark contrast to AI technologies, fed Herzog¡¯s screenplays into an AI system, and completed the film based on a scenario generated by the AI. Set in a fictional German city, the film revolves around the mysterious death of a character named Clery. It adopts a documentary style led by a narrator reminiscent of Herzog himself. However, this narrator is subtly out of sync with the real Herzog, allowing the film to experiment with the boundaries of AI-generated content. As the story traces the investigation into Clery¡¯s death, the emotional reactions of those around her symbolically highlight the gap between human complexity and technological reproduction. About a Hero deconstructs genre conventions by blending interviews, fiction, and performances by real actors. It poses fundamental questions about the meaning and ethics of artistic creation in the age of AI, as well as the uniqueness of human expression. By selecting this film, which deeply reflects on the balance between humanity and technology in a creative landscape increasingly shaped by AI, the Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival reaffirms its sense of balance and direction as a pioneer in the era of AI cinema.

Miwon, a well-known English instructor in Gangnam, is a typical workaholic who devotes herself to work day and night. Meanwhile, her mother, who runs a side dish shop in a quiet and friendly neighborhood, is someone who cares for her neighbors and shares warm affection. One day, Kiyong, an old friend, opens an adult PC room in Miwon's hometown, and her mother suddenly disappears. Miwon, who has visited her hometown for the first time in a long time, joins forces with the locals to track her mother's whereabouts, and in the process, she learns her mother's life one by one, which she did not know. Following her mother's footsteps, Miwon and her neighbors face a secret hidden in the village. Although the heavy case of 'the disappearance of a mother' is at the center, the story takes the form of a 'cozy mystery' and unfolds in a light and warm atmosphere. It reminds us of our gratitude by looking back on the perspective of a child, who has taken the unconditional love of their parents for granted. At the same time, it illuminates the values of communication, trust and community with others in a modern society where individualism is prevalent. This work, which adds a warm message to the genre's completeness, conveys fun and emotion that all generations can sympathize with and enjoy together. Solid acting by actors, including Joo Hyun-young and Kim Me-kyung, is also an indispensable point of appreciation.

¡®Bucheon Choice¡¯ is BIFAN¡¯s signature international competition section, showcasing feature films, short films, and AI films that reflect the experiments and innovations of emerging genre filmmakers from around the world. This year¡¯s feature film lineup offers a vibrant celebration of genre imagination, presenting a diverse range of narratives and styles?from uniquely stylized horror to action thrillers rich in spectacle. The short film section highlights works with experimental and original mise-en-sc?ne, as well as genre-driven reinterpretations of cinematic classics. Notably, the AI film section, now in its second edition, presents works that demonstrate enhanced technological sophistication and refined storytelling.

¡®Korean Fantastic¡¯ is BIFAN¡¯s proud Korean competition section, consisting of both feature and short film categories. The feature film section supports Korean genre cinema and seeks to discover new talent, presenting a rich variety of genres?from horror to drama?filled with compelling narratives and striking imagery. The short film section showcases bold and inventive works that, despite their brief runtime, leave a lasting impression with their concise storytelling and unique perspectives. These films have been carefully selected through a highly competitive pre-selection process.

This section is most anticipated by BIFAN¡¯s core audience. Here they can meet the latest works from the great masters of genre film worldwide. Alongside the latest works by three European auteurs who have long maintained a connection with BIFAN and are now recognized as true masters of genre cinema, audiences can also look forward to Legends of the Condor Heroes: The Gallants, a long-awaited new film by Tsui Hark, based on Jin Yong¡¯s timeless classic.

A section to meet new horror films, a representative genre of BIFAN. Adrenaline Ride maps the landscape of world horror cinema through various new films, from occult to splatter. Audiences can enjoy a wide range of genre-driven pleasures?from action, thriller, and horror films brimming with excitement to works that embody the very essence of hardcore cinema, the foundation of BIFAN¡¯s identity. This year, in particular, a standout selection pays homage to horror thrillers from the 1970s and 1980s.

A section dedicated to other representative genres of BIFAN like SF and crime noir films standing out with chilling emotions and innovative cinematic styles. It showcases the rhythm of intense action and an unrestrained critical perspective on today's society, as well as the SF future seen by the successors of Georges M?li?s of the 21st century. The globally resonant issue of caregiving is amplified through the lens of horror, intensifying its emotional and psychological impact. Meanwhile, the trauma of the pandemic continues to leave its mark, expressed through unique and imaginative genre interpretations. This year¡¯s lineup features works that highlight the terror of spaces where reality and fantasy intertwine, as well as the raw allure of bleak, noir-infused worlds.

A kaleidoscopic section of refreshingly offbeat comedies, fantasies, and dramas that stir the emotions of both, enthusiasts and the general public. This year¡¯s lineup features a vibrant array of films that tap into global pop culture trends, including pop idol romances and the increasingly popular aesthetic of cassette futurism. Audiences can enjoy a wide spectrum of styles and stories?from lively and spirited coming-of-age films to comic musicals, cult animations, horror homage documentaries, and bold first attempts at classic drama?each offering its own unique charm.

The only section where the whole family can enjoy together, providing fun and emotion for all ages and gender. This section presents a fantastical tale of a father and daughter¡¯s journey, a stop-motion animation that stands out for its heartfelt imagination and meticulous craftsmanship, and a robot-themed sci-fi film celebrated for its high production quality and refined visual effects. The 'BIFAN Odd Children's Jury' consisting of children from Bucheon, will award the 'Odd Family Award' to the most popular film.

A section introducing restored and digitally remastered versions of timeless masterpieces that have illuminated the history of genre film. This year¡¯s program presents 4K restorations of two landmark works in Korean animation history: Sun Wukong, Korea¡¯s first CinemaScope animation that marked a new leap for the industry, and Princess Iron Fan, Asia¡¯s first feature-length animated film. A special forum will accompany the screenings, exploring the historical significance and unique appeal of these pioneering works. In addition, there will be an in-depth conversation with the director of Chain Reactions, winner of Best Documentary at the 2024 Venice Film Festival, focusing on the iconic American horror film The Texas Chain Saw Massacre.

A celebration of limitless possibilities despite the short length. 'XL' showcases the charm of short films with a wide range of stories and worldviews that feature films cannot capture. 17 international short films out of 987 submissions and 29 Korean short films out of 1,535 submissions selected through a rigorous selection process will be presented. Additionally, 3 short films supported by BIFAN 2024 Goedam Short Film Production Support will be screened for the first time.

Audiences will have the chance to revisit ten iconic works of Lee Byung Hun, the true face of Korean cinema, whose name has left a lasting mark not only in Korea but around the world across a wide range of genres. A special Mega Talk reflecting on his remarkable acting career, along with an extensive exhibition and commemorative publication, will also be presented. The exhibition will be held on the 1st floor of Hyundai Department Store Jungdong Branch, U-PLEX from July 4 to July 13.

Throughout the history of horror cinema, the body has consistently occupied a symbolic and physical space embedded with anxiety and fear. Today, body horror?one of the most prominent and provocative genres on the global stage?goes beyond depictions of bodily violence and terror. It becomes a space of extraordinary imagination, where transgressive desires and moments of resistance against societal norms unfold. This program offers a rare opportunity to explore a wide spectrum of body horror films, from David Cronenberg¡¯s masterpieces of the 1970s and 1980s to contemporary reinterpretations that reflect the genre¡¯s evolving aesthetics.

A special program celebrates the 20th anniversary of Filmmakers R&K, a production company that has left a significant mark on Korean cinema. Audiences are invited to join in commemorating this milestone with screenings of the company¡¯s most representative works, along with an anniversary event honoring its two decades of filmmaking.

The program features screenings of director Kim Tae-yong¡¯s feature film Kokdu: A Story of Guardian Angels, known for its warm sensibility, and his short film Where Mermaids Go, presented in conjunction with the release of a picture book adaptation. Audiences can also look forward to special events, including talks with the director and author. Rarely seen short films by the director will also be showcased, offering a unique opportunity to explore his creative world in depth.

This is a rare opportunity to experience the brilliance of Yukawa, the genius physicist from Higashino Keigo¡¯s iconic Detective Galileo series, on screen. The lineup includes the highly popular Suspect X, which has been remade in Korea as both a film and a musical, as well as two films making their Korean premiere, offering fans a deeper dive into Higashino¡¯s captivating universe.

"Fantacine" is a special BIFAN program that brings the festival experience directly to the people of Bucheon. This free event takes place in various locations throughout Bucheon, including art halls, libraries, gardens, and parks, making it easier for citizens to experience the festival. It includes outdoor screenings, family-friendly viewings, and a variety of side programs, creating a meaningful time where the film festival and Bucheon citizens can connect, share the joy of cinema, and truly experience the festival together.