Gyeongsangbuk-do has announced the entry of three films from its International AI Metaverse Film Festival (GAMFF) into the 25th Newport Beach Film Festival as part of its cultural exchange efforts.

In 2023, Gyeongsangbuk-do became the first provincial government in South Korea to establish a department focused on metaverse initiatives. Since 2022, the province has explored potential collaborations with Newport Beach, and in June of this year, Newport Beach Film Festival’s organizing chairman, Gregg Schwenk, attended the GAMFF held in Gumi, Gyeongbuk, to celebrate the partnership. Gyeongsangbuk-do took a significant step in international exchange by officially participating in the Newport Beach Film Festival, which began on October 17, to promote collaboration in AI and the metaverse.

At the festival’s opening, Lee Jung-woo, Head of Gyeongbuk’s Meta-AI Science Division, said, “We are honored to showcase GAMFF award-winning films at such a prestigious event. We invite everyone’s interest and support.” Beyond film screenings, Gyeongsangbuk-do set up a large booth at the festival entrance, providing traditional Korean treats like hangwa and sikhye along with special gift pouches. This initiative offered local attendees a taste of Korean culture and hospitality, appealing to those exploring K-video content.

The day before the festival opening, on October 16, Gyeongsangbuk-do hosted a conference titled “Changes in the Film Industry in the Era of AI Technology” at UC Irvine’s Beckman Center. Attendees included representatives from Gyeongsangbuk-do, Gumi City, Newport Beach Film Festival, filmmaker Yang Ik-june, film critic Yang Kyung-mi, UC Irvine Graduate School of Business Dean Ian Williamson, and Professor Noah Askin. The conference featured discussions on AI’s impact on the film and media industry, emphasizing ethical issues and anticipated changes in the labor market brought about by AI.

Hwang Eui-kyung, reporting

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