Winter Nights at the Busan International AI Film Festival: Want to Watch the Future of Emotion Together?
Introduction
As the chilly early-winter wind brushes past the Suyeong River, the Busan Cinema Center slowly lights up with visions of the future beyond the screen. In a place where algorithms take the role of the camera and code replaces fingertips in crafting stories, we begin to imagine, in the cold winter air, with what kind of feelings we will be watching these films.
Table of Contents
- Guide
- Program
- Impressions (Planned Visit)
- Where to Stay
- Restaurants & Cafes
- Nearby Attractions
- Getting There
- Closing Thoughts
- Photo Snapshots
- Videos
- Related News
Guide
- Event Name : Busan International AI Film Festival
- Dates : 2025-12-04 ~ 2025-12-06
- Opening Hours : 10:00~21:00
- Venue : 120 Suyeonggangbyeon-daero, Haeundae-gu, Busan (U-dong), Busan Cinema Center
- Admission : Free
- Hosted / Organized by : Busan Cinema Center Foundation
- Inquiries : 051-780-6115
- Official Title : Busan International AI Film Festival (BIAIF)
- Event Type : Professional film festival for AI-powered film screenings and exchange; creative support for non-competitive, open-call selected works
- 10:00 Arrive at the Busan Cinema Center and check the screening timetable and schedule for side programs.
- 11:00 Watch AI film screenings, paying close attention to scenes realized through generative images and sound.
- 14:00 Join AI film production case presentations or workshops to hear about production processes and how the technology is used.
- 16:00 Take part in a GV (guest visit / talk with the director) to ask directly about the intentions behind the work and experiences using AI.
- 19:00 Enjoy the evening screenings of main competition and invited titles, and take part in the audience award voting.
- 21:00 Wrap up the festival mood with the night views around the Cinema Center and the winter night of Haeundae.
Check announcements for GV and workshop times in advance and plan your route ahead of time.
The Busan International AI Film Festival is dedicated to films created using AI technologies. It aims to establish itself as a platform for presenting creative content produced with generative algorithms and various artificial intelligence techniques. By helping audiences experience, in an artistic way, new forms of art and genre films born from innovative AI technologies, it creates a space to encounter films that offer a different sensibility from traditional production methods.
The festival also focuses on discovering and supporting new talents by providing a stage for filmmakers who are taking on creative challenges with AI, and by granting creative support funds to all works selected through a non-competitive open call. Through screenings in the international competition section and an audience award decided by audience voting, the Busan International AI Film Festival is striving to become a global hub for cinematic exchange that explores the exciting possibilities of AI filmmaking.
Program
On December 4, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., the opening ceremony will be held at the Busan Cinema Center, with performances marking the start of the 2nd Busan International AI Film Festival. After the ceremony, the opening film screening and side events will follow, giving you a clear sense of this year’s theme and overall atmosphere at a glance.
On December 5, short and feature films produced using AI will be screened along with GV sessions (talks with the audience). Directors and production staff will participate to share their directing intentions and behind-the-scenes stories of using AI technologies, offering audiences a chance to understand the works more deeply.
During the festival, a case study program on AI film production will feature real creators sharing their workflows, technologies adopted, and trial-and-error experiences. You’ll hear concrete stories about how AI technology was used across planning, shooting, editing, sound, and more.
In the AI filmmaking workshop, you can experience creating images with generative AI tools and applying them to video editing and post-production. This hands-on program crosses the boundaries between art and technology, and is suitable even for beginners who want to learn the basics of AI film production.
The citizen-participation AI film campaign is designed so that audience members can become part of the creative process, not just passive viewers. By entering simple prompts or proposing ideas, you can take part in AI-generated videos and see the results reflecting your own sensibilities.
In the competition section, international short and feature films that use AI will be screened. Finalists receive prize money, and all works selected for the non-competitive open call receive creative support funds, encouraging AI filmmakers in Korea and abroad to continue their new experiments.
On December 6, after the final film screenings and GV sessions, the closing ceremony and awards presentation will take place. The audience award, decided through on-site voting during the festival, will be announced here, giving special meaning to the work chosen directly by the viewers.
Entries are 3-minute or longer videos in which AI technology was used for part or all of the creative process, completed after August of last year. Knowing the production background of a film makes it more interesting to watch while comparing which stages involved AI.
Each individual or group can submit only one work, so you’re essentially seeing each team’s carefully crafted flagship piece. With no genre restrictions, you can look forward to a wide range of styles, from experimental films and animation to documentaries.
The audience award is decided by on-site voting during the festival, so if there’s a film that stays with you, be sure to vote before the end. The list of screenings is announced in advance, so it’s a good idea to check the schedule beforehand for works that catch your interest.
With no genre restrictions, you can experience a wide variety of AI films in one place.
Check when the screening lineup is announced and pick out the films you want to see in advance.
Impressions (Planned Visit)
Today is November 29, 2025. Since the Busan International AI Film Festival is scheduled for December 4–6, I’m getting ready to visit this event soon. Just imagining how AI’s light and sound will come together at the Busan Cinema Center when Busan’s winter wind tingles at the tip of my nose is enough to make my heart race.
The festival will take place at the Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae-gu, Busan, with various AI film screenings and side programs running every day from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Admission is free, making it a great opportunity for those who want to enjoy films without worrying about budget. One of this year’s key features is that it includes GVs between AI filmmakers and audiences, AI film production case presentations, and citizen-participation campaigns. There will also be related workshops and conferences, which should provide fresh inspiration not only for creators but also for general audiences interested in the convergence of AI technology and art.
I’m especially looking forward to those moments in a darkened small theater when digital colors seep into the air and unfold across the screen as if they’re floating. Images created without cameras, voices amplified without human actors—these elements together will form a new cinematic language. And as the night air deepens, the sound of waves at Haeundae or the lights of Gwangan Bridge shimmering at dusk will likely make the festival’s afterglow even richer. With an audience award decided by viewer votes, it also feels like I’ll be more than just a spectator—like I’ll become a small part of the overall flow of the festival.
Where to Stay
The Haeundae and Suyeong area around the Busan Cinema Center offers plenty of accommodation options, making it convenient for enjoying the festival. Focusing on places that are easy to reach on foot or by public transport, here are some picks where you can enjoy both night views and the beach.
31 Gunam-ro 12beon-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan (U-dong)
Urban design hotel close to Haeundae’s commercial district
Great if you want to explore Haeundae’s busy streets after the screenings.
Distance: 2.9 km
11 Haeundaehaebyeon-ro 237beon-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan (U-dong)
A seaside-inspired stay right by Haeundae Beach
Perfect for combining a winter night beach walk with festival screenings.
Distance: 3.0 km
12 Haeundaehaebyeon-ro 237beon-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan (U-dong)
Resort-style hotel with excellent beach access
Ideal for couples or families who want a relaxed stay while enjoying the festival.
Distance: 3.0 km
![UH Suite Landscape 11–13F [Korea Quality]](http://tong.visitkorea.or.kr/cms/resource/45/2949245_image2_1.jpg "Winter Nights at the Busan International AI Film Festival: Want to Watch the Future of Emotion Together?")
271 Haeundaehaebyeon-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan (Jung-dong)
Residence-style stay with ocean views and everyday conveniences
A good match if you want to stay several days and enjoy both the festival and a Busan trip.
Distance: 3.3 km
287 Haeundaehaebyeon-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan (Jung-dong)
Hotel with views of Haeundae Beach and Gwangan Bridge’s nightscape
Great for ending the day with sea views after night screenings.
Distance: 3.3 km
30 Songjeong Gwang-eogol-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan (Songjeong-dong)
Cozy, relaxing hotel near Songjeong Beach
Suitable for audiences who want a quiet stay away from the bustle of downtown.
Distance: 6.3 km
20-11 Hwangnyeong-daero 7beon-gil, Busanjin-gu, Busan (Beomcheon-dong)
City business hotel near the Seomyeon commercial district
Ideal if you want to enjoy Seomyeon’s eateries and nightlife after the festival.
Distance: 6.4 km
17 Dongbusan-gwangwang 7-ro, Gijang-eup, Gijang-gun, Busan
Relaxed resort-style stay within the East Busan Tourism Complex
Great for combining the festival with a trip around Gijang and Osiria.
Distance: 8.0 km
If you plan to attend night screenings, we recommend a place you can reach on foot or by public transport.
Restaurants & Cafes
The Gwangalli and Haeundae areas, not far from the Busan Cinema Center, are full of restaurants and cafes that are perfect for before or after screenings. Here are some spots where you can enjoy a meal overlooking the winter sea or unwind with a warm cup of coffee as you savor the afterglow.
9-5 Gwanganhaebyeon-ro 344beon-gil, Suyeong-gu, Busan (Millak-dong)
Stylish Japanese dining near Gwangalli
There can be waiting lines during peak night-view hours, so it’s best to leave enough time between screenings.
Distance: 1.8 km
154 Haeundaehaebyeon-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan (U-dong)
Restaurant with ocean views over Haeundae Beach
Nice for a leisurely brunch or early dinner before a screening.
Distance: 2.4 km
52 Dalmaji-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan (Jung-dong)
Eel specialty restaurant with views over Dalmaji-gil
If the winter wind has chilled you, recharge with hearty eel dishes before heading back to the theater.
Distance: 4.0 km
52 Dalmaji-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan (Jung-dong)
A place to properly savor mackerel dishes, as befits Busan
It can get crowded at lunch and dinner, so you’ll have a more relaxed time if you visit in the in-between hours.
Distance: 4.0 km
145 Bunpo-ro, Nam-gu, Busan (Yongho-dong, The W)
A complex space combining a stylish bakery and cafe
A good spot for a sweet dessert break between screenings.
Distance: 4.3 km
13 Jungang-daero 1056beon-gil, Yeonje-gu, Busan (Yeonsan-dong)
A lounge-style cafe ideal for relaxing in the city
If it fits your downtown route, it’s a nice place to drop by briefly before or after the festival.
Distance: 4.4 km
143 Songjeongjungang-ro 6beon-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan (Songjeong-dong)
Cafe & lounge that captures Songjeong’s laid-back vibe
Visit here if you want to reflect on the festival in a quieter setting than downtown.
Distance: 6.3 km
134 Eomgwang-ro, Busanjin-gu, Busan (Gaya-dong)
A popular spot specializing in premium Korean beef
You can combine it with other downtown plans and head to night screenings well-fed afterward.
Distance: 9.1 km
If you plan to enjoy Gwangalli or Haeundae’s night views, it’s better to have an early dinner before evening screenings.
Nearby Attractions
If you plan a route that links the Busan Cinema Center with Gwangalli, Haeundae, and downtown Busan, you can easily fill a day without overdoing it. Here are spots you can drop by between screenings, as well as places worth a separate half-day visit.
120 Suyeonggangbyeon-daero, Haeundae-gu, Busan (U-dong)
A quiet space with books and materials on film
Perfect for a short visit between screenings to browse film and media resources at a relaxed pace.
Distance: 0.0 km
Jung-dong, Haeundae-gu, Busan
Viewpoint overlooking Haeundae Beach and Dalmaji-gil
Visit before or after a screening at sunset to enjoy a view where the sea and city spread out together.
Distance: 5.2 km
40 Seojeon-ro, Busanjin-gu, Busan (Jeonpo-dong)
A space combining high-caliber exhibitions and cultural programs
Pair it with a visit to Jeonpo Cafe Street if you want to enjoy other art genres alongside film.
Distance: 5.8 km
Beomjeon-dong, Busanjin-gu, Busan
A romantic walking path lit up at night
End your day with a light stroll after night screenings, recalling both the lights on the screen and the real stars above.
Distance: 6.5 km
13 Sincheon-daero 162beon-gil, Busanjin-gu, Busan (Bujeon-dong)
An educational and cultural space that presents math through exhibits and hands-on experiences
Visit here if you’d like to stimulate your scientific and mathematical side in line with the algorithmic worlds of AI films.
Distance: 6.9 km
125 Beomil-ro, Dong-gu, Busan (Beomil-dong)
A complex cultural space with contemporary art and a variety of exhibitions
If your downtown route allows, stop by to experience artworks that offer a different sensory experience from AI film.
Distance: 6.9 km
Buam-dong, Busanjin-gu, Busan
A large park where you can feel greenery in the middle of the city
Good for clearing your head with a slow walk after a long day of screenings.
Distance: 8.1 km
164 Isunshin-daero, Dong-gu, Busan (Choryang-dong)
Urban waterfront park where harbor and sea come together
Gazing out at Busan Port while recalling the futuristic cityscapes you saw in the films can make for a unique experience.
Distance: 9.5 km
After dark, include Haeundae or Gwangalli night-view spots in your route to enhance the charm of the winter night.
Getting There
Public Transport — The address is 120 Suyeonggangbyeon-daero, Haeundae-gu, Busan (U-dong). Take subway Line 2 or 3 and get off at a nearby station, then transfer to a bus or walk. You can reach the Busan Cinema Center area via bus routes 1001, 1002, 141, 181, and 40.
By Car — Set your navigation destination to “Busan Cinema Center” for convenience. However, the parking lot can get crowded on weekends and during events, so using public transport is recommended whenever possible.
Traffic around Haeundae and Gwangan Bridge often backs up on weekends, so allow plenty of time or consider using the subway and buses.
Closing Thoughts
The Busan International AI Film Festival is a place where warm light and sound rise from the screen despite the cold winter air. As you follow the images and voices drawn by AI, what stands out is not the coldness of technology, but a clearer sense of new emotions and imagination.
During these brief three days at the Busan Cinema Center, we’ll set aside familiar cinematic grammar and share an experience of cinema’s language of the future. With the winter wind of Haeundae and the city lights as your companions, consider stepping at least once into the stories that AI has to tell.
