PiFan to Hold Genre Project Market

The Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival (PiFan), now in its 12th edition, is launching a project market under the heading Network of Asian Fantastic Films (NAFF2008). The 5 day platform will be launched during PiFan's 10-day run July 18 – 27 and will present projects from Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, the US and the UK among others.

NAFF2008 was conceived to provide an impetus to Asian genre cinema and to encourage development and financing of officially selected genre projects. The main section, 'It Project' will present 16 projects from 8 countries and will take place July 20 – 22 at the Koryo Hotel in Bucheon. Business meetings, jury deliberation and cash awards will provide filmmakers exciting opportunities to advance their projects.

Korean projects officially selected are action features "Shanghai" by director Jeong Doo-hong and "A Song of Mobsters" by Jeong Byeong-gil ("Action Boys") the horror film "Astral Control" (working title), by Lee Kwon ("Attack on the Pin-Up Boys") and animation features "Snow Queen: The Legend of Lake Baikal" by "My Beautiful Girl, Mari" director Lee Seong-gang and "My Girlfriend is a Brindled Cow" by Jang Hyeong-yoon. "Removal" by KIM Hong-suk and "The Devils" by KIM Jin-won-I will also participate.

NAFF2008 will also hold industry screenings of the latest in fantastic genre cinema from around the world. The specialized showcase invites buyers and industry professionals in a bid to expand sales and exhibition in the genre film market. Meanwhile the NAFF Forum will bring experts to debate current industry trends, hold seminars and workshops.

The entire NAFF2008 schedule runs July 19 – 23.

Nigel D'Sa (KOFIC)