When was the last time you watched a movie that was truly moving for you? One that stayed with you for days, long after the credits rolled? Forget the CGI and the high-octane stunts. We’re talking about a film that speaks straight to your heart and soul. Now, what if that just as you’re processing that powerful story, someone leans over and tells you the entire movie was created using generative AI. Would you believe them? Well, you should. In fact, generative AI has been playing a big role in the Korean cinema that CGV Korea is now hosting the first ever 2025 AI film contest.
So, what is CGV AI film contest? And how is generative AI reshaping the future of Korean filmmaking? Join us in an extensive discussion below.
CGV Korea is Hosting FIRST-Ever Generative AI Film Contest 2025
CGV—South Korea’s largest multiplex cinema chain—announced on March 17, 2025, that it’s officially launching the country’s first generative AI film contest.
As Korea’s largest multiplex chain, CGV has a long history of pushing cinematic innovation with previously 4DX, ScreenX, and now, a full-fledged AI-driven film competition. This makes CGV the first Korean theater chain to embrace and promote AI filmmaking in such a public and competitive way.
This groundbreaking contest invites filmmakers to create original, unreleased short films using generative AI tools. And the rules are simple but open-ended:
- Your film must be between 10 to 20 minutes long.
- You can choose from a central theme of “Heroes & Villains”, or submit something entirely original.
- The film must be primarily produced using generative AI technology, allowing creators to lean into the power of AI to shape storytelling, visuals, voices, and more.
The judging panel consists of notable names from Korea’s creative landscape, including:
- Director Um Tae-hwa of Concrete Utopia (2023)
- Popular science YouTuber Orbit (Kim Jae-hyeok)
- Author Kim Jung-hyuk
- CJ ENM’s AI Production Director Jung Chang-ik
Finalists will be selected based on three weighted criteria:
- Storytelling (40%)
- Creativity (30%)
- Technical execution (30%)
15 finalists will be announced on May 7, with a final round of judging (including audience voting) concluding on May 23. The grand prize winner not only earns a chunk of the 50 million won (approx. $34,550) prize pool, but will also receive theatrical distribution through CGV.
Why Generative AI?
Generative AI has reached a point where it can do more than simply churn out gimmicky visuals. Today, it can impact every step of filmmaking—from scriptwriting and storyboarding to character design and special effects.
By focusing on AI-driven storytelling, CGV Korea hopes to nurture a new wave of film creators who aren’t limited by large production budgets or traditional filmmaking constraints.
The contest is also a response to the ever-growing interest in AI within the Korean entertainment industry, where AI-supported projects have been massively trending in recent years.
How to Join CGV Korea AI Film Contest 2025
If you’re a filmmaker based in Korea—or someone passionate about storytelling and AI—you’re in luck. The contest is open to anyone in Korea who loves cinema and is interested in the power of AI.
But what about international participants?
Here’s the deal: The contest is officially open to domestic creators—meaning those currently residing or operating within Korea.
However, if you’re based overseas and want to join in, consider these options:
- Local Partnership: Collaborate with a Korea-based filmmaker or production team. By doing so, you ensure compliance with any residency or location requirements.
- Direct Inquiry: Email the contest organizers (cjgcevent@cj.net) to inquire about potential exceptions or additional guidelines.
Given the growing interest in global AI collaboration, it’s a door that might just be worth knocking on.
Once your short film is ready, you can submit it through CGV’s mobile app or official website (www.cgv.co.kr), by April 25, 2025. Keep in mind that the committee may request proof of AI integration. For instance, they may aske you to detail which AI platforms or software contributed to your project.
Generative AI in Korean Filmmaking Industry & Its Growing Impact
Over the past few years, AI-based filmmaking has been steadily gaining ground in Korea. Not only that but Generative AI has also become a creative tool, a budget saver, and a storytelling ally in the Korean film scene.
Just look at “It’s Me, Moon-hee”, a 17-minute short film released on Christmas Eve last year. It featured veteran actress Na Moon-hee in multiple roles—without her ever stepping on set. Through generative AI, the film transformed her into a CIA fugitive, Santa Claus, and even an astronaut. It was quirky, groundbreaking, and eye-opening to what AI can actually do.
Then there’s “M Hotel”, a 6.5-minute experimental film made entirely with AI tools by CJ ENM on December 11. What makes it even more impressive was that behind this film was a small team of just four people. And they completed the film in under a month using over 10 AI platforms. Despite its short run-time, it gained international buzz, appearing in festivals in Venice, New York, and Cannes.
Indeed, Korea’s creative industries are embracing AI not only as a novelty, but also as a genuine production tool. It successfully helped creators reduce time and cost, enabling them to create projects without big studio backing to bring their visions to life.
AI is now shifting the very DNA of international filmaking.
The CGV Korea Generative AI Film Contest 2025 is simply the next evolution of this trend. It offers not only structure and support, but also a real audience for AI-driven storytelling.
The Future of Generative AI in Film Industry
Finally, this generative AI film contest 2025 by CGV Korea is a clear signal that the film industry is evolving.
By embracing new technology and offering substantial support for AI-driven projects, CGV is effectively inviting both established filmmakers and newcomers to explore storytelling frontiers that were once the stuff of science fiction.
With a promising prize pool, expert judges, and the potential for theatrical distribution, this contest could very well shape the future of Korean cinema. Moreover, it may even influence global filmmaking in the process.
So, did you dream of creating a film that speaks to the soul? Or are you curious about how AI can elevate your art? Now is the perfect time to start. Head over to CGV’s official website or app, check out the guidelines, and see if you have what it takes to redefine the possibilities of modern storytelling.
Who knows—your AI-powered masterpiece might just be the next talk of the town. You will become the creator who proves that even in a technologically driven era, creativity and genuine human emotion can still take center stage.
Mark your calendars: submissions close April 25, and the winners hit the big screen this May.
So, are you ready to turn your imagination into the next must-see movie?
The audience is waiting.
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