Creative Asia Festival in Busan to Highlight AI in Filmmaking and Emerging Talent

The Creative Asia program, a significant collaboration between Netflix and the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), is set to launch its third annual event on October 10th at Dongseo University’s Centum Campus. This year's festival, shaped by BIFF, the Asian Film Commissions Network (AFCNet), and the Motion Picture Association (MPA), aims to foster the growth of emerging Asian filmmakers and storytellers.

A key highlight of the event is a panel discussion titled “AI in Filmmaking: New Tools, New Possibilities,” which will explore the increasing integration of artificial intelligence within the Asia-Pacific film industry. Moderated by film critic Youn Sung-eun, the panel will feature prominent figures including Sung Q Lee, Netflix’s senior director of APAC production, Kimball Thurston, chief technology officer at Weta FX, the visual effects company co-founded by Peter Jackson, and renowned director Kang Yun-sung. Additionally, cinematographer Kim Ji-yong will lead a masterclass, offering insights into the visual development of the Venice-winning film “Possible Love,” showcasing his unique approach to natural lighting. The festival will also include new workshops led by Netflix executives, offering aspiring creators direct access to content acquisition and creative strategy insights, covering topics such as cinematic storytelling and understanding the buyer’s perspective in project financing.

These initiatives underscore Netflix's ongoing commitment to nurturing regional creative communities, building on the success of previous Creative Asia editions in Busan and the JAFF Market in Indonesia. By offering a platform for learning, networking, and celebrating innovative filmmaking, the program empowers talent across Asia, ensuring a vibrant future for diverse cinematic narratives and the exploration of cutting-edge technologies like AI in film production.