By Maria Katrina Segui
The 25th Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival (BIFAN) in South Korea has unveiled its lineup of movies that included four Filipino films.
Filipino movies Mang Jose, Tenement 66, Days of the New, and Dito at Doon will be having its world premiere at this year’s BIFAN, joining the roster of 258 international films from 47 countries.
Mang Jose is based on the 2005 Parokya Ni Edgar track of the same title starring Janno Gibbs and directed by Raynier Brizuela. The film revolves around the superhero, Mang Jose, who only saves people when they rent for his service.
Dito at Doon tells the “quaran-fling” of two lovers, Len and Caloy, played by Janine Gutierrez and JC Santos. The story explores the challenges of keeping relationships afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic. The film is directed by JP Habac under TBA Studios.
Tenement 66 is one of the highly-anticipated local films this year. The crime thriller under iWant TFC is directed by the celebrated Babae at Baril filmmaker Rae Red starring young actress Francine Diaz with Francis Magundayao. It tells the crime-filled life of a troubled teen charged with petty theft.
Days of the New is a short film set in a dystopian society where mysterious phenomena and the digital world collide. The film is directed by Keith Deligero who is known for his collection of short film pieces.
The movie screenings will run from July 8 to July 18 and can be enjoyed online through BIFAN’s website.
The festival aims to promote and expand the “fantastic” genre of movies like thriller, horror, mystery, and fantasy, particularly in Asian cinema. BIFAN is also one of the most prestigious film festivals in Asia, held annually in July in Bucheon, South Korea.