Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, a region in South Korea increasingly positioning itself at the forefront of technological innovation, has officially announced the ‘2025 Gyeongbuk International AI & Metaverse Video Festival,’ slated to culminate in a grand event in September. To amplify the reach and impact of this ambitious initiative, the province has enlisted the support of GAMFFER, a dynamic team of ten content specialists comprising university students and seasoned creators aged between 20 and 50. This dedicated team will serve as the official ambassadors for the festival, spearheading promotional activities until September.

GAMFFER’s strategy will heavily leverage the power of social media, with members actively engaging audiences through platforms like blogs and Instagram. Their efforts will encompass insightful video reviews, the creation of engaging promotional content, and on-the-ground coverage of pre-festival events and behind-the-scenes glimpses. The primary objective is to generate significant buzz and encourage widespread participation in the festival’s centerpiece: the ‘2025 Gyeongbuk International AI & Metaverse Video Contest.’

The video contest, which commenced on May 1st and will continue accepting submissions until June 30th, aims to unearth cutting-edge video content that masterfully integrates generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Extended Reality (XR) technologies. Beyond showcasing innovative creations, the festival aspires to foster a vibrant exchange between local and international creative talents. The contest features a diverse array of categories, reflecting the multifaceted applications of these emerging technologies in creative fields. These categories include:

Creative Video: Encompassing short films and animations that push the boundaries of visual storytelling through AI and metaverse elements.
Character IP Utilization: Focusing on innovative uses of existing or original character intellectual property in formats such as game trailers and webtoons, enhanced by AI or XR.
Advertising: Seeking groundbreaking video advertisements and image publishing projects that leverage AI for creative generation or XR for immersive experiences.
Music Video: Encouraging artists and creators to explore the potential of AI and metaverse technologies in crafting compelling visual narratives for musical compositions.
APEC Special Category: A dedicated segment potentially focusing on themes relevant to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, possibly highlighting regional collaborations or innovations in AI and metaverse. (Further online research suggests this category might be linked to promoting cultural exchange and technological advancements within the APEC economic zone, though specific themes for 2025 were not immediately available.)
The stakes are high, with a substantial total prize purse of 100 million Korean Won (approximately $75,000 USD as of late 2024 exchange rates) awaiting the creators of the 30 winning entries. This significant financial incentive underscores the province’s commitment to recognizing and rewarding innovation in this rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Participation in the contest is open to both domestic and international individuals and teams who possess a passion for and expertise in creating content utilizing generative AI technologies. Interested parties can find detailed guidelines and application procedures on the official GAMFF website, serving as the central hub for all contest-related information and submissions.

The culmination of the contest will be the grand awards ceremony held on September 12th at GumiCo (Gumi Convention Center) during the opening of the ‘2025 Gyeongbuk International AI & Metaverse Video Festival.’ Following the announcement of the winners, the acclaimed entries will be showcased through exhibitions and screenings held across various locations in Gyeongsangbuk-do, including the cities of Gumi, Pohang, Gyeongsan, and Cheongdo. This regional showcase aims to immerse local communities in the exciting possibilities presented by AI and metaverse technologies in the realm of visual content creation.

The inaugural ‘Gyeongbuk International AI & Metaverse Video Contest’ in the preceding year proved to be a resounding success, attracting a remarkable 527 submissions from 42 countries. This impressive level of international participation underscores the growing global interest in the intersection of creative arts and emerging technologies. From this diverse pool of talent, 22 exceptional works – 10 from South Korea and 12 from international creators – were recognized for their innovation and artistic merit.

Choi Hyuk-jun, the Director of Gyeongsangbuk-do Province’s Meta-AI Science Bureau, emphasized the province’s ambition for the 2025 edition, stating, “This year, we plan to expand the contest categories and increase the scale to encourage the participation of even more diverse creators.” This strategic expansion signals Gyeongsangbuk-do’s commitment to fostering a more inclusive and dynamic platform for global creative exchange in the burgeoning fields of AI and metaverse content creation.

The ‘2025 Gyeongbuk International AI & Metaverse Video Festival’ represents a significant investment by the province in nurturing technological innovation and creative expression. By providing a platform for showcasing groundbreaking work and fostering international collaboration, Gyeongsangbuk-do aims to solidify its position as a hub for cutting-edge digital content creation in the years to come. The increased prize money and expanded categories are expected to attract an even greater number of talented creators from around the world, further elevating the festival’s prestige and impact on the global stage. (Further online research indicates that Gyeongsangbuk-do has been actively promoting the development of AI and metaverse industries within the region through various initiatives, including the establishment of related research centers and support programs for startups in these sectors. This video festival aligns with this broader strategy to position the province as a leader in the digital economy.) The success of the inaugural festival and the ambitious plans for the 2025 edition suggest a promising future for this international showcase of creativity and technological innovation.