Gyeongbuk-do Begins Preparations for the '2026 Gye…
Gyeongsangbuk-do Province has begun preparations for the '2026 Gyeongbuk-do International AI·Metaverse Film Festival (GAMFF),' which will be held over 4 days starting September 3 in the areas of Gumi, Pohang, and Gyeongsan. This film festival is planned to operate as a platform for cultural and industrial exchange, leveraging the industrial infrastructure of Gumi, Pohang, and Gyeongsan to introduce content and technologies related to the AI and virtual convergence industries. Global AI Film Contest, Accepting Submissions from March 16The AI film contest linked to the film festival will begin accepting submissions on March 16 through the official website (gamff.com). The contest categories include 4 divisions — creative, advertisement, game, and short-form — and targets video content utilizing AI technology. Anyone interested in AI video production is welcome to participate, from elementary, middle, and high school students to university students, the general public, and professional production companies. This year, a university student division has been newly established to expand participation opportunities for young people. Winners sharing a total prize pool of 100 million KRW will be announced through an official awards ceremony held during the film festival. In addition to prize money, winners are planned to be provided with opportunities for follow-up activities such as participation in corporate-linked advertisement production. Pursuing International Cooperation and Experiential Content ContestTo expand international exchange for the film festival, Gyeongsangbuk-do established a cooperative framework on February 1 with the Digital Content Association of Japan (DCAJ), which leads Japan's digital content industry. Building on this, the province plans to pursue overseas exchange and joint collaboration for award-winning works. In addition, an 'AI & Virtual Convergence Experiential Content Contest' will be held in the idle spaces of the province, aimed at broadening the base of the artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual convergence industry. Selected content is planned to be realized as actual experiential spaces through business commercialization support. From Viewing Exhibitions to Interactive Exhibitions, Operating Experience-Centered Corporate Exhibition HallsDuring the event, the Gumi Corporate Exhibition Hall will feature experiential exhibitions with participation from companies in AI (Artificial Intelligence), Metaverse (Virtual Convergence), and XR (Extended Reality), as well as AI content production companies and startups. Visitors will be able to directly experience related platforms and technologies, and see firsthand the practical applications of AI and virtual convergence technology on the spot. Pohang Hosting Art Tech AwardsIn Pohang, an awards ceremony targeting AI virtual convergence-specialized video content will be held through the 'AI Art Tech Awards.' Technology-focused award categories including the Visual Creative Award, VFX (Visual Effects) Technology Award, and Virtual Production Award will be presented, shining a spotlight on AI-based video production talent and content. Gyeongsan Game Festival Focusing on Focusing on Hands-on Experiences and NetworkingIn Gyeongsan, an experiential event themed around gaming will be held. Console game demonstrations featuring PS5 and XBOX, as well as a Nintendo Switch 2 hands-on experience, are planned to be available. The event is designed to allow visitors to tour various experience booths and enjoy a wide range of programs. Furthermore, business networking between major domestic game companies and Gyeongbuk-do regional companies is planned to promote the revitalization of the Gyeongbuk game industry. Park Si-gyun, Director General of the Meta AI Science Bureau of Gyeongsangbuk-do, stated, 'This film festival will serve as a platform for sharing technologies and creative cases in the AI and virtual convergence content industry,' and added, 'We will operate it as a content event that supports the growth of Gyeongbuk-do regional industries and talent, and enables continuous exchange.