BIFAN Executive Director SHIN Chul Discusses AI’s Role In The Future Of Filmmaking At SSFF & ASIA 2025

On Oct. 26, SHIN Chul, Executive Director of the Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival (BIFAN), participated as a panelist at the international conference “AI and the Future of Filmmaking.” The event was co-hosted by the Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia, the largest short film festival in Asia, and Japan’s Agency for Cultural Affairs. It brought together top voices in the film and AI industries to discuss how artificial intelligence is reshaping cinema.

Leading Experts Examine How AI Is Changing Cinema

The conference gathered ten global experts, including filmmakers, screenwriters, programmers, and festival directors from the United States, France, Germany, Mexico, Iran, and Senegal. Discussions centered on how AI is transforming film production, creative ethics, and artistic expression—and what these shifts could mean for the future of filmmaking.

“AI Is a Creative Companion,” Says BIFAN’s SHIN Chul

During the panel, Executive Director SHIN emphasized the growing creative potential of AI in filmmaking. “AI has established itself as a new language and creative tool shared among filmmakers worldwide,” he said. “It’s not merely a tool for efficiency—it’s a companion that expands human creativity and enables new forms of storytelling.”

He added that the experience of watching films will also evolve: “In the future, film appreciation will move beyond the traditional one-way experience of watching a movie in theaters. It will become a multidimensional, interactive experience where audiences and creators collaborate and co-create stories together.”

The Need for Shared Ethics in an AI-Driven Era

SHIN also highlighted the importance of collaboration between film festivals and creators to establish shared ethical guidelines. “AI’s creative potential and versatility are limitless,” he said. “Amid these changes, filmmakers and festivals must work together to set ethical standards that guide this new creative landscape.”

SSFF & ASIA: A Platform for Emerging Creators

Celebrating its 27th edition, SSFF & ASIA continues to be Japan’s leading short film festival, dedicated to nurturing emerging filmmakers and exploring new possibilities in short cinema. The main event takes place each June, followed by a special autumn program that includes international conferences and encore screenings of award-winning works.