Seoul will become the first Asian city to host the prestigious World AI Film Festival (WAIFF) when the event comes to South Korea's capital in March 2026. The two-day festival, scheduled for March 6-7, 2026, will take place at the iconic Lotte World Tower in Songpa-gu, marking a significant milestone for Asia's growing influence in artificial intelligence-powered filmmaking.
The festival is being organized by Vision Culture, a content strategy agency, with official sponsorship from Lotte. This inaugural Asian edition represents a major expansion of WAIFF's international network, which originally launched in Nice, France, before spreading to Brazil, Japan, and China. Each festival operates with independent jury selection and competition processes while connecting creators worldwide in their shared mission to reimagine the future of cinema through AI technology.
For South Korea, a nation whose entertainment industry has achieved massive global recognition through K-pop, Korean dramas, and films like "Parasite," hosting WAIFF Seoul 2026 represents a bold entry into the emerging field of AI-assisted filmmaking on the international stage. The timing is particularly significant as it positions Korea at the forefront of technological innovation in creative industries.
The success of WAIFF's inaugural edition in Nice this past April demonstrates the growing interest in AI filmmaking worldwide. That event attracted over 1,500 submissions from 85 countries, drawing approximately 200 industry professionals and more than 1,000 attendees. Seoul joins an exclusive group of confirmed 2026 host cities, including São Paulo, Kyoto, and Wuxi, but notably became the first Asian location to receive approval for hosting the festival.
"The launch of WAIFF Seoul 2026 marks a major step forward for Korea's AI content industry and creative ecosystem," a Vision Culture representative explained. "We expect the gathering to bring together filmmakers, tech specialists, artists and industry leaders to chart new directions for cinematic art and technological innovation." The statement reflects the ambitious goals organizers have set for establishing Seoul as a hub for AI-driven creative content.
The festival has secured impressive partnerships that underscore its significance. Lotte serves as the official sponsor, while The Korea Herald has joined as the media partner. These partnerships demonstrate the strong support from both the private sector and media organizations for advancing AI technology in creative fields.
Submissions for WAIFF Seoul opened on October 15 through the festival's official website, accepting generative AI-powered short films across four distinct categories: AI short films, AI short series, AI advertising, and youth AI films. All entries must prominently feature generative AI technology in their production process, ensuring that the festival truly showcases the cutting-edge intersection of artificial intelligence and filmmaking.
Beyond the competitive screenings, the festival will offer a comprehensive program including workshops, forums, and networking sessions. These events will cover AI content creation, education, and business collaboration opportunities, reflecting Seoul's established position as a major hub for both technology development and creative content production. The programming aims to create meaningful connections between participants while advancing the field of AI filmmaking.
The 2026 Seoul edition positions artificial intelligence as an innovative framework that bridges art, industry, and education, creating what organizers describe as a fresh creative ecosystem where AI meets artistic expression. Throughout the festival, creators will have opportunities to experiment with AI-driven visuals, sound design, and storytelling techniques while domestic and international participants engage in discussions about the future of cinema and technology.
The festival has attracted heavyweight talent from around the globe, demonstrating its growing prestige in the film industry. Marco Landi, former Chief Operating Officer of Apple and current president of Institut EuropIA, will participate alongside acclaimed filmmaker Claude Lelouch, who won the César Award. Emmy Award-winning writer David Defendi will also join the distinguished lineup of industry professionals.
Perhaps most notably, internationally renowned actress Gong Li has agreed to serve as both a jury member and honorary chair of the festival. Gong Li, known worldwide for her performances in "Memoirs of a Geisha" and "Farewell My Concubine," brings significant star power and credibility to the event. Her involvement signals the festival's commitment to attracting top-tier talent and establishing itself as a premier destination for AI filmmaking.
Award winners will receive both prize money and ongoing support for their projects, with top selections earning the prestigious opportunity to screen at the main WAIFF event in Cannes, France, scheduled for April 2026. This connection to Cannes, one of the world's most important film festivals, provides winners with access to the global film industry's most influential marketplace and networking opportunities.
"WAIFF Seoul will establish itself as an international festival defining AI-driven cinema's direction while examining AI ethics and the role of human creativity in filmmaking," explained a Vision Culture representative. This statement highlights the festival's commitment to addressing not just the technical aspects of AI filmmaking but also the important ethical considerations surrounding the technology's use in creative industries.
The festival enjoys backing from leading European AI institutions, including Maison de l'Intelligence Artificielle and Département des Alpes-Maritimes, along with official support from the French government. The Cultural Service of the French Embassy in Korea has also endorsed the event, adding diplomatic significance to the cultural exchange. The timing carries extra symbolic weight, as 2026 will mark the 140th anniversary of Korea-France diplomatic relations.
This international support was formally recognized on June 2, when Charles Ange Ginesy, president of the Alpes-Maritimes Regional Council and head of Maison de l'Intelligence Artificielle, made an official visit to Seoul. He participated in a ceremony at the Seoul Plaza Hotel to commemorate the launch of WAIFF's Korean operations alongside Vision Culture, demonstrating the high-level political and institutional support for the festival.
As Seoul prepares to host this groundbreaking event, the festival represents more than just a celebration of AI filmmaking—it symbolizes the convergence of technology, creativity, and international collaboration in shaping the future of cinema. For filmmakers, technologists, and industry professionals worldwide, WAIFF Seoul 2026 promises to be a defining moment in the evolution of artificial intelligence as a creative tool in the entertainment industry.
