[BIFAN 2024] Complete List of all Feature Film Award Winners, Jury Comments

"Esper's Light": (from left to right) Producer Ko Yoo-hee, Director Jung Jae-hoon, Festival Director Shin Chul-I

On Friday, July 12th, the 28th Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival was officially closed and the winners of the feature competition sections were announced during the ceremony at the well-filled 500 plus seats Main Theater inside Bucheon City Hall, the main hub of the festival.

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At the Bucheon Choice: Features section eight international films competed for four awards, while at the Korean Fantastic section 11 Korean movies - nine world premieres and one Asian premiere - competed for seven awards. Also the MIFF Award for Best Asian Film, the NETPAC Award and teh Odd Family Award were given out. Complete list of award winners see below. Comments of the winners and juries see attached file.

The ceremony was followed by the screening of the festival's closing film Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In by HK martial arts master Soi Cheang.

2024 BIFAN Winners and Jury's Comments

The Last Stop in Yuma Country: (from left to right) CHO Yong-eek, Mayor of Bucheon City and chairman of the Festival Organizing Committee, director Francis GALLUPPI, producer Matt O'NEILL

Bucheon Choice: Features

Best of Bucheon - 20,000,000 KRW (approx. 15,000US$)

The Last Stop in Yuma County by Francis GALLUPPI

Director Francis GALLUPPI: "I want the thank our entire cast and crew, our executive producer James who sold his house to finance this movie. This movie took almost five years of my life. I had two children in the time it took to make this movie. I can't tell you how this means. I'm in shock. I wish I had better things to say. Thank you so much".

Best Director Choice - 5,000,000 KRW (approx. 4,000US$)

Strange Darling by JT MOLLNER

Director JT MOLLNER (via video message as the director couldn't attend the festival in person): "I'm working on a film in Canada and there was absolutely no way to be there. But I really wanted to. We premiered a film at this festival. It was my very first film, years back, and it was one of the greatest experiences imaginable. When I heard we will get this amazing honour from this festival I was elated and exited but I was not surprised because I know from personal experience that some of the very best audiences in the world are in Bucheon, at this film festival".

Jury's Choice - 5,000,000 KRW (approx. 4,000US$)

Suffocating Love by LIAO Ming Yi

Director LIAO Ming Yi (via video message as the director couldn't attend the festival in person): "Many thanks to BIFAN, for awarding us the Bucheon Choice Award for Jury's Choice this year. It's a huge honour for us. Movies are elevating, meanwhile we try to change the way movies are produced. We hope, in the future, this movie can be seen in South Korea and be presented to more audience. Thank you, again, to the jury for awarding us this prize".

Audience Award

The Last Stop in Yuma Country by Francis GALLUPPI

Korean Fantastic: Features

Jung Jae-hoon and Ko Yoo-hee

Best Korean Fantastic Film - 20,000,000 KRW (approx. 15,000US$)

"Esper's Light" by Jung Jae-hoon

Producer Ko Yoo-hee: "I would like to thank the Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival and everybody who was involved for their support of this film. Above all, I would like to sincerely thank the production staff, actors, and our youth players for collaborating on this story.
Director Jung Jae-hoon". I don't feel like I've 'made it' yet. I think this is the beginning. I'll do my best to make it to the cinema".

What kind of philosophical perspectives and attitudes can we attribute to the concept of "The World of Cinema?" boldly deconstructs the internal and external boundaries of cinema, encouraging viewers to adopt a radical perspective. The film introduces a new and thought-provoking narrative characterized by a unique composition, language, and direction, seamlessly blending the realities and fantasies of adolescents as portrayed in both documentary and fiction. Moreover, it skillfully integrates elements from games and online communities into its storytelling.

Kim Min-ha-II

Korean Fantastic Best Director - 5,000,000 KRW (approx. 4,000US$)

"Idiot Girls and School Ghost: School Anniversary" by Kim Min-ha-II

Director Kim Min-ha-II: ""I actually thought I wasn't supposed to make movies. When I was thinking 'What am I going to do with my life now Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival encouraged me to 'Stay Strange'. From the bottom of my heart I thank BIFAN to give me the chance to become good director".

"Idiot Girls and School Ghost: School Anniversary" is brimming with humor as it presents the essential charm of the comedy genre, incorporating and playing with various genres. We appreciate director Kim Min-ha-II for showcasing his passion and love for the comedy genre in this film. We are eagerly looking forward to his next film.

Korean Fantastic Actors

Park Ju-hyun in "You Will Die In 6 Hours"

ParkJu-hyun ("You Will Die In 6 Hours"): "I never thought I would win such an award at my first film festival as an actress. I still remember the look in the director's eyes, how he loved, respected and cherished the film.

Kim Dae-geon in "The Tenants"

Kim Dae-geon ("The Tenants"): "I thought it was a good start to be invited to the Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival, but now that I even got an award I'm so happy. I'm a bit embarrassed, but thank you for letting me come up the stage and accept this award. I don't have much experience yet, but with every film I act in, I realize that there is really nothing an actor can do alone. I learnt a lot from the director and I'm so happy about that. I can't wait to go home and show off to my family".

Hur Bum-wook

Special Mention

"Pig That Survived Foot-and-Mouth Disease" by Hur Bum-wook

What In the realm of Korean cinema, there exists a noticeable void within the animation sector. Independent animation, an undertaking forged amidst challenging circumstances, serves to fill this void, and we need to appoint considerable recognition and support to their perseverance. Director Hur Bum- wook's film exemplifies an acute portrayal of reality through masterful artistry. This animated production transcends mere real footage, encapsulating profound emotions of wrath and despair, a testament to director Hur's exceptional drawing and determination. The members of our jury earnestly hope that the audience will wholeheartedly engage with his compelling message.

Korean Fantastic Audience Award

"You Will Die In 6 Hours" by Lee Yun-seok

Yeon Ye-ji

Nonghyup Distribution Award - 10,000,000 KRW (approx. 8,000US$)

"Base Station" by Park Sye-young and Yeon Ye-ji

The film, successfully demonstrates the potential of expanding a limited narrative through a simple yet innovative concept. Infused with elements of SF black comedy, the film offers unconventional approaches to presenting unprecedented visual experiences to the audience. Recognizing the film's true value in the theatrical setting, the jurors advocate for introducing this experimental work to the public audience.

Watcha's Pick for Korean Fantastic - 3,000,000 KRW (2,300US$)

"Idiot Girls and School Ghost: School Anniversary" by Kim Min-ha-II

Méliès International Festivals Federation(MIFF) Award for Best Asian Film

Steppenwolf by Adіlkhan YERZHANOV

NETPAC Award

Who'll Stop the Rain by SU I-hsuan

Odd Familiy Award

Pigsy by CHIU Li Wei