The 30th Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival (BIFAN) is taking the lead in building an ecosystem for AI cinema.

As AI film production and support gain momentum, and the Korean film industry pushes for AI Transformation (AX) to advance its capabilities, BIFAN is seeing tangible results. The festival is actively supporting AI creators through expanded award categories, competitions, identifying titles for paid platform screenings, internship programs, and community building, all aimed at creating sustainable revenue streams and driving the AX transition.

Expanding the Bucheon Choice: AI Films International Competition

BIFAN has partnered with Tamar Edge Limited, a Hong Kong-based company operating the global AI video platform TapNow, to introduce the new TapNow New Wave Award. This award will be presented to one outstanding film from the Bucheon Choice: AI Films international competition that demonstrates a pioneering new cinematic language.

Tamar Edge will provide prize money and credits for the award, while also supporting the Fantastic Film School: Univ program and networking events for AI creators. Furthermore, the two organizations plan to collaborate on future joint competitions to discover new talent and continue building the AI film ecosystem.

Industrializing AI Cinema: Competitions for Short-Form Scenarios and Distribution

BIFAN is launching the AI Short-Form Film & Drama Scenario Competition in partnership with The Manta Story, a company specializing in VFX post-production for major projects such as the film Train to Busan and the Netflix series Hellbound.

The Manta Story will work with BIFAN to establish a pipeline covering investment, production, and distribution, ensuring that promising talent and stories discovered through the competition can be developed into marketable short-form content. Additionally, the company will offer internship programs for outstanding individuals trained at the AI Video Education Center Bucheon.

In addition to scenario and production contests, BIFAN is introducing an AI Film Distribution Support Competition. This initiative aims to help domestic and international AI film studios bring their completed works to the big screen by selecting and supporting high-quality projects.

Submissions will open during the festival, with selections scheduled for the second half of the year. The chosen short and feature-length AI films will be distributed by Studio The J and are expected to be screened at major theater chains including CGV, Lotte Cinema, and Megabox. To prepare for this, BIFAN plans to curate a selection of international competition entries, non-competition films, supported projects, and top works from the AI Video Education Center Bucheon for theatrical screenings later this year.

AI Video Platforms: Fostering Sustainable Models for Creators

Studio Aim, a company currently developing an AI video content platform based on cutting-edge technology, is partnering with BIFAN to support emerging domestic and international talent. The goal is to provide a space where creators can sustain their work and build a mutually beneficial model that ensures fair compensation.

Studio Aim, based in Bucheon, will also offer internships to graduates and top talent from the local AI Video Education Center Bucheon, providing them with hands-on industry experience. Furthermore, the company will sponsor the AIMMOVIE Audience Award, which recognizes the most popular film among those selected for the Bucheon Choice: AI Films category.


Expanding Opportunities: Internships and Business Growth

The internship program for graduates of the AI Video Education Center Bucheon began in 2025 with Studio FreeWillution. This year, the program has expanded to include AI studios such as The Manta Story and Studio Aim.

On Tuesday, June 23, BIFAN signed agreements with local universities, including Yuhan University, to operate specialized, field-oriented training courses. The festival aims to cultivate future creators equipped with both technical and directorial skills, while continuing to foster regional culture and industry growth by connecting talent with internships and employment opportunities.

To further expand business opportunities for AI creators, BIFAN will host the Bucheon AI Contents Summit, along with pitching events, demo days, and meetups for AI creator communities.

Community Engagement: Launching the All-Together Planning Group Spin-off

The All-Together Planning Group is a participatory community where anyone interested in AI and AX can experiment with new possibilities for BIFAN AX projects.

AI filmmakers and AX planners from various industries will gather to share insights on AI-based video production, business planning, and technology trends. Through collaborative activities such as vibe coding, members will contribute to the creation of the BIFAN AX ecosystem.

Shin Chul, Festival Director of BIFAN, stated, "Thanks to the support of top-tier domestic and international AI partners this year, we have established a foundation that covers the entire value chain of AI film production—integrating talent development, employment, competitions, and distribution." He added, "Through this system, we will provide unwavering support to ensure that AI creators can move beyond one-time prize money and establish themselves as independent directors and producers."

Reflecting on the screening that concluded the Fantastic Film School: Univ course, he remarked, "It was a breathtaking moment that felt like AI cinema had reached a tipping point," while also emphasizing the importance of protecting the rights of creators.

The 30th BIFAN, which promises to be a milestone for the AI value chain, will take place in Bucheon from Thursday, July 2, to Sunday, July 12. 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)