From The Eyes*' invitation to Sitges to Fan Bingbing and Isabelle Huppert at BIFAN — the rising international standing of Korean cinema and its festivals*

Sitges Selects The Eyes

Director Yeom Ji-ho's thriller The Eyes has received an official invitation to the Panorama section of the competition program at the 59th Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia, running October 8–18. The film's North American theatrical release is also confirmed, scheduled for July 10. The story follows Seo-jin — a photographer gradually losing her sight to a hereditary disease — as she pursues the truth behind the suspicious death of her twin sister, a premise in which her deteriorating vision becomes a source of sustained suspense. The cast includes Shin Min-a, Kim Nam-hee, Lee Seung-ryong, and Kim Young-ah.

Founded in 1968, the Sitges Film Festival has grown into the world's foremost genre film festival and has previously hosted acclaimed Korean titles including Train to Busan, Sleep, The Night Owl, and The Roundup series. Festival organizers praised The Eyes for establishing its own distinct identity beyond the framework of its source material, and Artistic Director Àngel Sala commended the film's steadily accumulating tension, which holds audiences until the very end. The Eyes has already been reaching international viewers since its Philippine premiere on June 25, followed by openings in Singapore and Mongolia.

Korean Genre Film Festivals Become Global Stages

While The Eyes continues to find international audiences, international stars have been making their way to Korean festivals. At a BIFAN press conference held on July 3, Fan Bingbing expressed her admiration for the Korean film industry, praising the diversity of its subject matter and the professionalism of its crews. Isabelle Huppert — who has appeared in three films by director Hong Sangsoo — also voiced her affection for Korean cinema, stating that "France has always loved Korean film," and expressed openness to further collaboration.

Marking its 30th anniversary, BIFAN this year presents 321 films from 50 countries. Titles that received their world premieres at Cannes are among those having their Asian premieres in Bucheon. The festival also unveiled its AX (AI Transformation) strategy, including an expansion of its AI competition categories.

International interest in genre film festivals is not limited to Bucheon. The Ulsan Ulju World Mountain Film Festival (UMFF) — Korea's only international film festival dedicated to mountaineering — has steadily built its global profile, including by hosting legendary Italian mountaineer Reinhold Messner last year and creating a space for him to meet audiences directly.

Verified Content, Trusted Stages

The invitation of The Eyes to Sitges, and its consecutive releases in the Philippines, Singapore, Mongolia, and North America, represent the international validation of individual Korean works. The presence of Fan Bingbing and Isabelle Huppert at BIFAN, together with Cannes selections receiving their Asian premieres in Bucheon, points to something broader: Korean film festivals themselves are now regarded as meaningful platforms by international industry players. The two currents may appear distinct, but they share the same roots — the international genre film industry is extending its recognition to Korean content and Korean stages alike.

Sources

•Edaily, "'The Eyes' receives official Sitges Film Festival invitation; international release confirmed," 2026.07.06

•Yonhap News Agency, "'Ulsan Ulju World Mountain Film Festival — let's build it together': official volunteer recruitment opens," 2026.07.06

•Munhwa Ilbo, "From Fan Bingbing to Isabelle Huppert — the global genre film festival returns in full force," 2026.07.06

•Seoul Shinmun, "Her, gore, queer… Bucheon's invitation to beat the summer heat," 2026.07.06