Films have continually transformed in various ways whenever crisis arose. From silent films to talkies, black&white to color, analog to digital, 2D to 3D, and from theater screens to smartphones, films have evolved to meet audiences in more advanced forms. Technological advancements have given birth to new formats of films, and as a result, the methods of film production and distribution have also changed. The epicenter of the film industry is no longer limited to Hollywood; it has diversified to include various regions, including Asia. What does this signify? Definition and formation of cinema have continually evolved, embracing a wide array of formats and media. Consequently, all these diverse format are encompassed in "The Cinema of Our Age."
Therefore, film festivals must also reflect these changes, transforming into platforms that encompass various format and media. With this aim, BIFAN introduces the expanded festival, ¡°BIFAN+¡±. BIFAN has consistently played a pioneering role in the film and video content industry, transcending genres and media boundaries. In 2008, it launched the world's first genre film industry program, Network of Asian Fantastic Films (NAFF). In 2016, BIFAN made history as the first domestic international film festival to showcase XR immersive content. These invaluable resources will serve as a unique driving force for the newly established 'BIFAN+'.
We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all the professionals in the film and content industry who visit the Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival each year and show such great interest. We look forward to seeing you in Bucheon this coming July!