The 29th Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival recently kicked off with a focus on the future of cinema, highlighting the integration of artificial intelligence in filmmaking. The festival’s opening film, “About a Hero,” is a hybrid documentary featuring an AI-generated screenplay inspired by Werner Herzog’s work. With 11 AI films in its lineup and a dedicated conference, the festival delves into how AI is reshaping creative processes.
During the AI conference, industry leaders showcased the practical applications of AI in film production. Korean producers, such as Roy Oh and Lee Sang-wook, demonstrated how AI tools are being used to create innovative visuals and enhance traditional television production. These advancements allow filmmakers to visualize concepts affordably, which were previously cost-prohibitive.
The event also addressed broader industry challenges, such as Korea’s declining theater attendance, with insights from French cinema’s protective measures. French National Cinema Center President Gaetan Bruel discussed France’s support system for its film industry, which contrasts with Korea’s current challenges.
Sten-Kristian Saluveer from Storytek emphasized that AI is enhancing rather than replacing traditional filmmaking workflows. AI is being used for pre-visualization and production optimization, offering significant benefits to genre filmmakers. Saluveer predicted that AI-transparent filmmaking will soon become routine, stressing the importance of talent development to fully leverage AI’s potential in cinema.
