As part of WAIFF's worldwide journey leading to Cannes in April, the two-day event is set to open at Lotte Concert Hall in southern Seoul on Friday, following last month's stop in São Paulo and with upcoming events scheduled later this month in Kyoto, Japan, and Wuxi, China.
The festival's stop in Seoul is no coincidence as South Korea has emerged as a leader in AI-driven content creation, blending technology with cinematic storytelling, making it a perfect venue for WAIFF's global expansion since its inaugural launch in Nice, France, last year.
At the Seoul event, around 25 films are competing in six categories – "Best AI Short Film," "Best AI Youth Film," "Best AI Micro Series," "Best AI Advertisement," "Best AI Screenplay," and "Best AI Soundtrack," with prizes worth over 27 million won ($18,775).
Nominees include young filmmakers and independent creators experimenting with AI-generated scripts and visual effects, as well as commercial studios integrating AI-assisted production techniques.
A jury of about a dozen filmmakers, animation specialists, and industry professionals will be led by Son Seung-hyun, CEO and founder of Westworld, a leading South Korean visual effects (VFX) company.
Each country's winners will then be invited to screen at Cannes for the Grand Finale at the Palais des Festivals, scheduled for April 21–22, vying against international competitors.
The event is also expected to draw filmmakers, film enthusiasts, and industry insiders, serving not only as a competition through screenings and awards but also as a forum for discussions on AI ethics, copyright challenges, and the creative potential of generative technologies in cinema.
Participants will be able to get a chance to connect with AI experts, directors, and industry professionals who are pioneering the integration of AI into filmmaking.
With its combination of competition, discussion, and networking opportunities, the event would reinforce South Korea's emerging role as a hub for technological innovation in the creative industries.
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