The 29th Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival (BIFAN) is set to host a special program 'B My Guest: Filmmaker R&K' during the festival in July, looking back at the past 20 years of the production company Filmmaker R&K.
'B My Guest' is one of BIFAN's official sections, inviting a special guest each year for meaningful conversations and spotlighting their significant works. This year, the spotlight is on the production company Filmmaker R&K, promising an event where the company and the audience can explore the present and future of genre films as each other's 'guests'.
The program will feature three key films representing the 20-year history of Filmmaker R&K, led by director Ryoo Seung-wan and CEO Kang Hye-jung. 'The City of Violence' (2006) was Filmmaker R&K's inaugural production, marking a new era for Korean action films. Director and actor Ryoo Seung-wan, along with action director Jung Doo-hong, showcased new possibilities for the Korean action genre with their fearless fight scenes.
'Exit' (2019) is a film that balances innovative planning and mainstream appeal, focusing on survival in a disaster. It skillfully combines humor with a touching family narrative, earning acclaim from audiences. 'Escape from Mogadishu' (2021), based on the true story of North and South Korean embassy staff escaping during the 1991 Somali Civil War, captured both critical and commercial success with its intense emotional depth and suspense.
In addition to the screenings, a mega-talk titled '20 Years of Filmmaker R&K, and Now' will take place on the 6th of next month, allowing direct interaction with the audience. The talk is scheduled for 3:10 PM at the Bucheon City Hall Plaza following the screening of 'Escape from Mogadishu'.
The event will revisit Filmmaker R&K's 20-year Zourney, sharing behind-the-scenes stories of key productions, creative philosophies, and visions for the future. Director Ryoo Seung-wan, CEO Kang Hye-jung, and Zo In-sung, the lead actor of 'Escape from Mogadishu', will attend, promising a meaningful time with the audience.
Meanwhile, this year's BIFAN also hosts a forum titled 'The Crisis of Korean Cinema ? To Die or To Revive', alongside the special program celebrating 20 years of Filmmaker R&K, addressing the current challenges faced by the Korean film industry and exploring solutions. The forum will feature key industry figures and experts in a deep discussion, scheduled for the 5th of next month at 4:30 PM at the Bucheon Art Center Small Theater, with free pre-registration available for all attendees.
The 'B My Guest: Filmmaker R&K' program not only commemorates the 20-year Zourney of Filmmaker R&K but also seeks to explore the future direction of Korean genre cinema. It promises to offer BIFAN attendees a unique opportunity to rediscover the allure of genre films and contemplate the past and future of Korean cinema.
The 29th BIFAN will take place from July 3rd to 13th across Bucheon.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)