The 18th Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival

The 18th Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival (PiFan) is due to commence from July 17th through to the 27th. The festival takes place in Buchon City, although has retained the spelling ‘Puchon’ from its inception.

As the title suggests, PiFan is orientated towards celebrating genre films during its run, and over the past 17 years has carved a reputation as the place to experience some of the most imaginative films from around the world.

PiFan 2014 looks set to be no exception. Fantasy and adventure have been prolific genres of late and are wonderfully reflected in the official poster (right) and trailer (below), with the blurring between reality and fiction the focus of this year’s festivities. That said, there are still plenty of horrors and thrillers to satisfy audiences seeking an adrenaline rush, particularly through the special programs on offer.

The Great Kaiju, GODZILLA 60 Years

In addition to returning favorite categories such as Puchon Choice (which features 12 films highlighting the evolution of modern genre filmmaking), World Fantastic Cinema (showcasing 44 productions that blur fantasy and reality), and Vision Express (emphasising films that push the conventions of genre storytelling), there are special programs dedicated to the history of popular genre films. The Great Kaiju, GODZILLA 60 Years will undoubtedly be one of the more popular categories at PiFan 2014, featuring the original 1954 classic as well as some of his greatest battles, all to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the iconic character. Blood Window to Latin America showcases some of the best emerging talents in genre filmmaking from the region, while PiFan Classic includes Tobe Hopper’s acclaimed The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974) and Poltergeist (1982).

Shim Eun-kyoung is the 2014 PiFan Lady

Each year PiFan selects a PiFan Lady, an actress whose filmography represents the identity and values of the festival. For this installment actress Shim Eun-kyoung (Miss Granny (2014), Masquerade (2012), Sunny (2011)) will be the face of the festival, a selection that will certainly will increase awareness following her win for ‘Best Actress’ at the PaekSang Arts Awards last May.

To visit PiFan and get the most out of the festivities, please refer to the map below.