Here are my thoughts on “Intermission” by YANG Jeong-ho, screened during the Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival (BIFAN), which took place from July 2 – 12, 2026, in Bucheon, South Korea.

Intermission by YANG Jeong-ho – South Korea | 2026 – 17 minutes | World Premiere
Section: Fantastic Shorts 3

The first act of a stage play comes to an end, and a 15-minute intermission begins. The lead actress, Sohae, tells Eungchan, the stage director, that she refuses to return to the stage because she believes her life is in danger after spotting a man carrying a knife in the audience. As Eungchan searches for the suspect, he also tries to convince Sohae to resume the performance. Amid all the chaos, a stranger insists on taking a photo with the actress. The tension reaches its peak when they fail to find the man, the curtain is about to rise for the second act, and Sohae suddenly disappears.

Filmed in a 15-minute single take, Intermission is an excellent short film that demonstrates how tension can be built to a boiling point in a believable and effective way. By following the stage director throughout the entire film, the audience is given only limited information, which heightens the suspense. At the same time, we know that while the protagonist is in one place, other conflicts continue to unfold beyond our view. The camerawork is excellent, and the dialogue is carefully crafted, never feeling like filler. A film like this depends on strong performances, and this is where the entire cast excels. The conflicts feel authentic and are seamlessly woven throughout the narrative.

Trailer: