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Generative AI, Microdramas to Take Center Stage at Busan Market
The Asian Contents & Film Market (ACFM) has unveiled its 2026 lineup, with a pronounced emphasis on generative AI and emerging media formats set to define this year's event. Held as part of the Busan International Film Festival, the market reflects the industry's pivotal shift towards AI-driven filmmaking and the growing prominence of microdramas as a viable path to feature film production, signalling how technological innovation and new content formats are reshaping Asian cinema.
The 21st edition will take place from 10–13 October across seven sections spanning eight venues. InnoAsia leads with 44 organisations participating in 11 programmes, including multiple sessions dedicated to generative AI applications in filmmaking and the evolution of microdramas from viral short-form content to full-length productions. Thailand debuts as the newly created Country of Honor, showcasing five genre features, whilst Japan holds the Focus Country designation with 10 producers pitching projects. The broader market includes 12 Producer Hub programmes examining how streaming platforms are reshaping the industry, alongside dedicated sections on film distribution, financing, international co-productions and documentary impact. The previous 2025 edition attracted 1,222 companies and 3,024 professionals from 55 countries, generating approximately $71.1 million in business transactions across 8,438 meetings.
In short
- ACFM 2026 prioritises generative AI and microdramas as defining industry trends.
- Thailand debuts as Country of Honor; Japan designated as Focus Country.
- Market addresses distribution shifts, co-production opportunities and streaming's impact.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Generative AI and microdramas democratise filmmaking by lowering technical and financial barriers, enabling a broader range of creators to produce content and reach audiences. These technologies reflect genuine audience preferences for diverse, short-form content whilst creating new economic pathways through streaming and digital platforms. Rather than replacing human creativity, they serve as tools that augment filmmakers' capabilities, allowing artists to focus on storytelling and vision rather than repetitive technical tasks. The market's strategic embrace positions Asian cinema at the forefront of industry innovation.
The case against
Overemphasising generative AI risks diminishing the irreplaceable value of human artistry, craft, and originality that have defined cinema as an art form. There are legitimate concerns about AI training on copyrighted works without consent, potential homogenisation of visual language, and job displacement for skilled technicians and artists. Microdramas, though valuable for audience engagement, should not overshadow the market's commitment to developing substantial, long-form narratives that explore complex ideas and challenge audiences deeply. A measured industry strategy should preserve space for traditional filmmaking excellence whilst carefully integrating new tools, rather than treating technological novelty as inherently progressive.
Explained simply
The Asian Contents & Film Market is a yearly industry gathering held alongside the Busan International Film Festival in South Korea. It brings together film and television professionals to develop projects, find funding and arrange partnerships across countries.
Generative AI refers to computer tools that can create or alter material such as images, sound and video, and filmmakers are exploring how to use them in production. Microdramas are very short, often serialised stories made for mobile viewing; some producers are considering how this format could lead to longer films.
The market also connects producers with distributors, financiers and streaming platforms, which influence how films are made and reach audiences. Its focus on new tools and formats reflects wider changes in the Asian screen industry.
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