Gumi City to Host Korea's First 'Gyeongbuk International AI and Metaverse Film Festival'

Held on June 15-16 at Janda Square in Geumosan and throughout Gumi

Red carpet with promotional ambassadors Jung Taewoo, Seo Jisoo, and domestic and international filmmakers

Gumi City in North Gyeongsang Province will host the nation's first "2024 Gyeongsangbuk-do International AI·Metaverse Film Festival," featuring AI and metaverse elements, for two days starting June 15 at Geumosan Lawn Plaza and other venues throughout the city.

2024 Gyeongsangbuk-do International AI Metaverse Film Festival Poster.

Beginning with the GAMFF Forum under the theme "Harmony of Art and Technology: Expanding New Creation and International Exchange," a variety of programs will take place, including a red carpet event, opening ceremony, film screenings, cosplay events, and experience booths.

'GAMFF' stands for Gyeongsangbuk-do International AI·Metaverse Film Festival.

The opening ceremony, to be held at 7 p.m. on June 15 at Geumosan Lawn Plaza, will be attended by North Gyeongsang Province Governor Lee Cheolwoo, Gumi Mayor Kim Jangho, renowned directors such as Lee Jangho, Yang Yunho, and Jang Cheolsoo, as well as actor Jung Taewoo and actress Seo Jisoo, who serve as festival ambassadors, along with filmmakers from Korea and abroad. The event will feature a red carpet, awards for winning films, a VR drawing performance as the main show, and celebratory performances by popular invited singers Norazo and Lyn.

On June 15, traffic will be controlled and a free shuttle will operate between Geumosan Lawn Plaza and the Geumosan Main Parking Lot from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Notably, the event will be graced by Greg Schwenk, Chairman of the Newport Beach Film Festival in the United States; Altynbek Maksutov, Minister of Culture of Kyrgyzstan; the Chairman of the Kyrgyzstan Smartphone Film Festival; Mint, CEO of the renowned Thai film production company Mflow; and the lead actor of the Thai box office hit "Teen Tem Jai," among other film industry figures from around the world.

A total of 48 films, including entries selected through the competition, invited films from exchange festivals, and special screenings, will be shown. All screenings are free and will take place at multiplex theaters in downtown Gumi (Lotte Cinema Premium Gumi Central Halls 3 and 5) and at the Gumi Visual Media Center (Kim Yuyeong Hall).

At the two Lotte Cinema Gumi Central halls, film critic Yang Kyungmi and Dr. So Heejung will host GV (Guest Visit) events, where directors such as Lee Jangho, Jang Cheolsoo, and Kwon Hansle will meet audiences in person to discuss their films, adding to the enjoyment of the festival.

In addition to offline screenings, films can also be enjoyed on the web-based metaverse platform "GAMFFWORLD" via PC or mobile without the need for special software installation.

GAMFFWORLD offers various interactive features for audiences, including online conference spaces and mini-games. Major events such as the GAMFF Forum and opening ceremony will be live-streamed, allowing users to experience the festival atmosphere remotely. There will also be global theater visit certifications, prize events for guessing award winners, and more opportunities for participation.

Mayor Kim Jangho stated, "Gumi, once considered a 'no-fun city,' is transforming into a romantic cultural city beloved by citizens through events like the Ramen Festival and the Sweet Romantic Night Market. I expect this film festival, which brings together AI, the metaverse, and cinema, to present a new paradigm in cultural arts and offer citizens a new source of enjoyment."