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Forum to explore the possibilities and limitations of independent films in the AI era



​The Korean Academy of Film Arts (President Cho Geun-sik, hereafter “KAFA”) will host a special showcase and AI planning forum focused on animation and AI films during the Seoul Independent Film Festival from Tuesday, December 2 to Wednesday, December 3. The event aims to share KAFA’s accumulated educational achievements with the public and discuss the new possibilities and limitations of independent cinema in the age of AI.

The showcase consists of two sections — “KAFA ANI Reflection” and “AI Short Film Showcase” — featuring a total of 17 films (12 animations and 5 AI shorts). Through major works from KAFA’s animation program such as Mr. Ttiriribu Manding by Hong Hak-soon, Unique Time by Oh Yoo-jin, and The Blue Giant by Noh Kyung-moo, “KAFA ANI Reflection” revisits the creative journey of past years and reflects on the experimental spirit and challenges from a contemporary point of view.

In particular, at 5:40 p.m. on December 2, a Cine Talk will follow the screening of Pale Faces by director Heo Beom-wook. Director Heo and director Cho Kyung-hoon will discuss Heo’s artistic world and share insights into the current landscape of Korean independent animation with the audience. Commenting on the showcase and the Cine Talk, Professor Park Jae-beom of KAFA’s Animation Department said, “I believe the boom of Korean animation begins with independent animation. I hope the dynamic energy of creators who have preserved their unique voices in small studios will spark inspiration for young artists through this program.”

The “AI Short Film Showcase” will present five AI films produced through the 2025 Advanced Film Production Education Course. Fragments of Falling, Sigumun, The Bug, Fog Alert, and Dream of Atlantis are experimental works that actively incorporate AI technology into their creative process, demonstrating the expanding potential of independent cinema. Among them, Sigumun, which won the Grand Prize at the 2025 Seoul International AI Festa, is regarded as one of the most notable AI films produced this year. KAFA President Cho Geun-sik stated, “We hope this AI showcase serves as a platform for broadening the imagination and experimental scope of independent films, including KAFA works, and exploring new directions for independent cinema in the AI era.”

Additionally, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on December 2, a planning forum titled “Independent Films in the Age of AI: New Possibilities and Limitations” will be held. Director Jang Hoon of Creative Mango will present production case studies utilizing AI, and attorney Lee Sang-ho of Woongbin Law Firm will cover issues related to AI-generated content such as copyright and portrait rights. The forum will also include a comprehensive discussion featuring directors of the showcased films and experts in film distribution, delving into ways to promote independent film production and policy considerations in the AI era.

This program goes beyond screenings to create a space that connects the educational, creative, and industrial discourse surrounding animation and AI films. It is expected to serve as an opportunity to reflect on the identity and sustainability of independent cinema amid rapid technological change.