The International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI) and the Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival (BIFAN) are proud to announce a new collaboration with South Korea’s first genre-focused film festival and Asia’s premier hub for fantastic cinema.
Founded in 1997 in Bucheon, a UNESCO Creative City of Literature, BIFAN has built a 29-year legacy under the motto “It’s Okay to Be Strange.” The festival has played a key role in discovering new talent and advancing Korean and Asian genre cinema while showcasing outstanding fantastic films from around the world. BIFAN is internationally recognized as a member of Fantastic 7, the prestigious initiative launched at the Cannes Film Festival’s Marché du Film, where it represents Asian genre cinema on the global stage.
“Over nearly three decades, BIFAN has built an impressive reputation as one of the world’s leading festivals for fantastic cinema. As genre films continue to gain recognition across the international festival landscape, this partnership reflects FIPRESCI’s commitment to expanding both geographically and across the full diversity of cinema. We greatly value BIFAN’s professionalism, vision, and contribution to film culture, and are proud to present the first-ever FIPRESCI Award at a fantastic film festival”, says FIPRESCI’s President Ahmed Shawky.
“We deeply revere FIPRESCI’s enduring dedication to the enrichment of global cinema and film criticism,” says SHIN-Chul, the festival director of BIFAN. “Introducing the FIPRESCI Award as BIFAN celebrates its milestone 30th edition carries profound significance. We are especially honored to host the first-ever FIPRESCI Award at a fantastic film festival. This historic partnership will undoubtedly serve as an inspiring catalyst, elevating both BIFAN and the vibrant world of genre filmmaking.”
The introduction of a FIPRESCI jury at BIFAN recognizes the growing artistic and cultural significance of fantastic cinema and opens an important new chapter in FIPRESCI’s engagement with genre filmmaking worldwide.
©FIPRESCI 2026