The Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival, now in its 20th year, is hoping to broaden its international scope, organizers said Wednesday.

This year’s festival will screen a record 302 titles -- up 67 from last year -- from 49 different countries. Two new programmers and three program consultants with expertise in Chinese and Southeast Asian films are included among the festival’s organizers to make it more international.

BIFAN aims to “respect the artistic freedom of its participants,” executive director Choi Yong-bae emphasized, pointing out that this was the reason why film director Chung Ji-young, who was behind the film “National Security” (2012), was appointed as the new festival chairman on Tuesday.

“(Chung’s) appointment will mark a new beginning for (BIFAN),” said Choi.

“We hope to become a fuller, richer festival,” said Chung.

Various programs will take place for film enthusiasts, the festival’s organizers added. 

“Film critics Lee Dong-jin and Heo Ji-woong, singer Yoon Jong-shin and director Na Hong-jin have expressed their wish to participate in talks with audiences at BIFAN,” said programmer Kim Se-yoon.

Director Na’s “The Strangers” (“Goksung”) was screened in Cannes’ Out of Competition category in May.

The annual film festival features horror, thriller, mystery and fantasy films from around the world, with a focus on the Asian region.

The festival this year includes the competitive categories “Bucheon Choice” and “Korean Fantastic,” alongside “World Fantastic Red & Blue,” “Family Zone,” “Forbidden Zone” and “Fantastic Short Films.” There will also be five special categories, including a memorial category for late rock legend and actor David Bowie.

“Captain Fantastic,” a family comedy by American director Matt Ross, will open the festival on July 21. BIFAN will close with the zombie horror animation “Seoul Station” by director Yeon Sang-ho, whose latest film “Train to Busan” was screened to rave reviews at Cannes’ Midnight Screenings in May. 

The film festival will run from July 21-31. Its opening and closing ceremonies will take place at Bucheon City Hall’s Grass Square. Ticket sales open on July 14 at www.bifan.kr.

By Rumy Doo (doo@heraldcorp.com)