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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Movies and TV devider 2 Filipino film projects shine at Bucheon film festival, earn int'l backing

2 Filipino film projects shine at Bucheon film festival, earn int'l backing

Published Jul 9, 2026 10:59 am  |  Updated Jul 9, 2026 01:50 pm
Filipino director Rodiell Veloso (center) (Photo from Veloso's Facebook account)
Filipino director Rodiell Veloso (center) (Photo from Veloso's Facebook account)

Two Filipino film projects are gaining international attention after earning recognition at the 30th Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival (BIFAN) in South Korea.

"My Missing Half," a Philippines-Japan co-production directed by Filipino filmmaker Rodiell Veloso, and "Ella Arcangel: Ballad of Tooth and Claw," directed by Filipino animator and filmmaker Mervin Malonzo, were among the standout projects at the 19th Network of Asian Fantastic Films (NAFF) Project Market.

"My Missing Half" received the Asian Discovery Award and the Badclay VFX Innovation Award, while "Ella Arcangel: Ballad of Tooth and Claw" won the SBA Award.

Rather than recognizing completed films, the NAFF Project Market spotlights promising projects in development, connecting filmmakers with investors, producers, distributors, and industry partners through pitching sessions and business meetings.

This year's market featured 32 selected projects from 29 countries and concluded with 676 business meetings involving 65 companies from 21 countries.

Following the announcement, Veloso expressed his gratitude on social media.

"Thank you, NAFF BIFAN Project Market. Thank you, Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival. Thank you, Bad Clay Studio. Thank you, new friends. Thank you, old friends. Thank you, everyone," he wrote on Facebook.

Veloso said the recognition would provide valuable support as the project moves toward production.

"Still a bit overwhelmed and overstimulated to really say anything at length, but let me just say all love and support for the project has been much appreciated. Receiving the Bad Clay Studio VFX Support and Asian Discovery awards is such a great honor, and will be a great help in our journey making this film a reality," he said.

The winners were selected by a jury composed of Evrim Ersoy, head programmer of Beyond Fest; Lee Dongha, CEO of RedPeter Films; and Tia Hasibuan, co-founder of Come and See Pictures.

"The calibre of the projects was incredibly high, and it was incredibly encouraging to see so many incredible filmmakers with unique and inventive ideas that truly make the future an exciting prospect. And it is further proof that NAFF Project Market is instrumental in keeping the Asian genre scene thriving, healthy and energised," the jury said.

BIFAN, headed by Festival Director Shin Chul, showcased 321 films from 50 countries this year, including 92 world premieres, 16 international premieres, 49 Asian premieres, and 62 Korean premieres.

The winners at the 19th Network of Asian Fantastic Films (NAFF) Project Market under the 30th Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival (BIFAN)
The winners at the 19th Network of Asian Fantastic Films (NAFF) Project Market under the 30th Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival (BIFAN)
The winners at the 19th Network of Asian Fantastic Films (NAFF) Project Market under the 30th Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival (BIFAN)
The winners at the 19th Network of Asian Fantastic Films (NAFF) Project Market under the 30th Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival (BIFAN)
The winners at the 19th Network of Asian Fantastic Films (NAFF) Project Market under the 30th Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival (BIFAN)
The winners at the 19th Network of Asian Fantastic Films (NAFF) Project Market under the 30th Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival (BIFAN)

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BIFAN South Korea 30th Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival
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