Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival’s (BIFAN) 27th edition is set for June 29–July 9, 2023 in Bucheon, South Korea, and once again Asia’s largest genre film fest delivers the gruesome goods. More than 250 films from around the planet are on tap, with world, international, and Korean premieres of horror, science fiction, thriller, dark comedy, and related features and shorts aplenty. Here are six of the features that we greatly look forward to — and with yours truly in attendance at the fest, you can expect BIFAN reviews right here at The Scariest Things.
Following are descriptions of the films from the BIFAN website, where more information is available: http://www.bifan.kr/eng/
Sana (Japan, 2023)
“Please, listen to my song.”
A staff member at a broadcasting station stumbles upon a forgotten cassette tape gathering dust in a storage room and takes it to a radio show hosted by an idol member. There is a faint humming sound of a girl on the tape. Concerned about a missing group member, the idol’s manager hires a private detective to locate him within three days, just before an important concert. The detective conducts interviews with each member, hoping to unravel the mystery. However, as the investigation progresses, the idol members fall victim to a haunting curse, succumbing to fear one by one. It becomes evident that the cursed cassette tape holds the key to their predicament, and as the detective investigates the identity of the mysterious voice on the tape, then confronts a shocking truth hidden beneath the curse. BIFAN proudly presents the world premiere of Sana, the latest work by acclaimed filmmaker Shimizu Takashi. This highly anticipated film has generated curiosity with its intriguing marketing approach. Known as a master of J-horror, Shimizu Takashi skillfully blends sound horror and idol culture elements in his new creation. With his signature directing style, Shimizu keeps the audience on the edge of their seats throughout the film. The story initially begins with a lighter tone, depicting backstage scenes and featuring an eccentric private investigator, but it takes a darker turn, ultimately leading to a heavy and tragic conclusion.
The Seeding (U.S., 2023)
A man is lost in the desert searching for his car when he stumbles across a woman living alone in an abandoned cabin and decides to stay with her, only to discover that she might not be there willingly, as he experiences several encounters with local hoodlums leading to an unexpected outcome.
Superposition (Denmark, 2023)
The creative couple Stine and Teit and their young son Nemo leave their urban life in Copenhagen behind in favour of an isolated forest in Sweden, where they hope to find themselves as individuals while documenting their new lifestyle in an ongoing podcast series. Regretfully, they realise there is another couple across the lake, which is surprisingly alike themselves. Soon, old grudges and selfish desires begin to take over, forcing them to confront their own egos.
You’ll Never Find Me (Australia, 2023)
A sharp and twisted contained thriller featuring outstanding central performances from Jordan Cowan and Brendan Rock. An isolated man living in the back of a desolate caravan park is visited by a desperate young woman seeking shelter from a violent storm. As the savage storm worsens, these solitary souls begin to feel threatened- but who should really be afraid? A bold directorial debut from the filmmaking duo Josiah Allen & Indianna Bell.
Evil Spirit (Korea, 1974)
Once upon a time, after the head of a village is killed mysteriously, nobody wants to take that post. At that time Won-Seok, whose wife is so beautiful, voluntarily takes the post and makes efforts to solve the case. Since he doesn’t believe in superstition, he firmly believes that the murder is committed by somebody, not by an evil spirit. However, the outline of the murderer is not cleared, while mysterious things happen one after another.
Memory of Water (Finland/Germany/Norway, 2022)
In a waterless world of the future, Noria becomes the village’s Tea Master following the traditions of her deceased father and inheriting a secret truth that has been hidden for a long time. The young woman must wield her quiet strength as a compass along a dangerous journey for her people’s survival.
