The City Turns Into a Futuristic Cinema—BIFAN
Unveils Lineup of Immersive New Media Masterpieces Connecting Various Locations Across Bucheon to Celebrate Its 30th Anniversary

Presenting a Vision of Cinema for the Next Generation, BIFAN features programs, including
K-POP concert VR group screenings and a special program celebrating 140 years of Korea-France diplomatic relations

The 30th Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival (Festival Director Shin Chul, hereafter BIFAN) has revealed the key lineup of highlights for its new media program, Beyond Reality. In addition to the main installation Portal (Gate) at Bucheon City Hall’s lawn square, this year’s edition will transform the city itself into an immersive cinematic playground, including a K-POP concert VR experience and dome cinema works by French media artists commemorating the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and France.

Going beyond the traditional model of audiences sitting in front of a screen, this year's festival proposes instead a futuristic festival format where visitors journey throughout the entire city of Bucheon to experience virtual reality and media art. Passing through the Portal at Bucheon City Hall's lawn square, audiences will reach the climax of their journey to the Galaxy Base at Bucheon Art Bunker B39. There, Japanese media artist Yasuhiro Chida will premiere his installation Analemma for the first time in Korea. Utilizing light and spatial design, the work invites audiences to physically walk through the artwork itself. The program will also have South Korean premiere of internationally acclaimed immersive works, including the feature-length VR film, The Clouds Are 2000 Meters Up by Singing Chen, winner of the top prize in the Venice Immersive section last year. These groundbreaking works allow audiences to move through space in unfolding narratives, reinforcing the ambitious vision first teased during the festival’s thematic announcement.

At the STARLIGHT THEATER inside Bucheon Astronomical Science Museum, a special program celebrating the 140th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Korea and France awaits festivalgoers. French director François Vautier will present a selection of immersive dome cinema works combining massive dome screens with enveloping soundscapes. The experience aims to transport audiences to the middle of the universe, much like Las Vegas's large spherical venue, the Sphere. Alongside these works by renowned media artists, the section will also include family-friendly experiences designed for children and teenagers, following last year’s sold-out weekend success.

Group participation programs have also been significantly expanded. Inside Bucheon City Hall, the screening hall CUBE will host K-POP concert VR screenings that up to 50 people can enjoy simultaneously. On weekends, an XR performance involving approximately 30 citizens will take place centered around the Portal at the lawn square, showcasing the mainstream potential of future entertainment.

Additionally, key hubs will be established to enhance accessibility and create a seamless connection between venues. The XR lounge, COSMIC GARDEN, located in the lobby of Bucheon City Hall, will serve as a guide point to major new media venues and as an interactive space for family visitors. Notably, this year, with the sponsorship of Bucheon-based semiconductor company Onsemi Korea, a shuttle service connecting each exhibition space will be operated. This ensures that the process of moving through the city itself becomes a continuous, cinematic experience.

BIFAN Festival Director Shin Chul stated, “This year’s Beyond Reality is a bold attempt to expand the entire city into a single cinematic experiential structure, going beyond simply watching content. Beginning from the Portal on the lawn square. I hope audiences will fully experience the possibilities of future cinema through these world-renowned works."

Beyond Reality 2026 takes place at the Bucheon City Hall lawn square and lobby, Bucheon Astronomical Science Museum, Bucheon Art Bunker B39, among other venues from Friday, July 3 to Sunday, July 12. The 30th BIFAN will be held across Bucheon City for 11 days, from Thursday, July 2 to Sunday, July 12, 2026.

¡á Beyond Reality 2026 Overview
▪ Theme: COSMIC CINEMA
▪ Date & Time: July 3 (Fri) – July 12 (Sun), 2026 / 10:30-17:30
▪ Opening Date: July 2 (Thu) Pre-opening for industry guests
▪ Venue: Bucheon City Hall lawn square and lobby, Bucheon Astronomical Science museum, Bucheon Art Bunker B39, and more

¡á Festival Overview
▪ Title: 30th Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival
▪ Date: July 2 (Thu) – July 12 (Sun), 2026, (11 days)
▪ Type: Non-competitive international film festival introducing partial competition
▪ Venue: Various locations across Bucheon City

Please contact the BIFAN PR Team for more details.
E. press@bifan.kr | M. +82-10-7367-6313 | T. +82-32-327-6313 (135, 140)

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