The Asian Contents & Film Market (ACFM), the professional industry centerpiece of the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), has officially finalized its comprehensive lineup for the 2026 edition. As the primary gateway for the Asian film and content industry, the ACFM continues to evolve, reflecting the rapid technological shifts and changing consumption patterns that are currently redefining the global entertainment landscape. The upcoming market, scheduled to run in October, promises a robust schedule that balances the cutting-edge frontiers of generative artificial intelligence with the traditional foundations of international distribution, financing, and documentary storytelling.
This year’s programming is characterized by an aggressive push into emerging media, spearheaded by the InnoAsia section. By drawing in 44 organizations and companies across 11 specialized programs, InnoAsia is positioning itself as a critical hub for filmmakers and tech innovators looking to navigate the complexities of modern content creation. Central to this effort is a significant focus on generative AI, a technology that has moved from the periphery of the industry to its very core.
In a notable move, the ACFM has established a strategic partnership with Kling AI for a centerpiece program titled “New Cinematic Possibilities: Reimagining Filmmaking with Kling AI.” This collaboration is designed to provide industry professionals with a practical look at how AI-driven tools can be integrated into the creative process, from pre-production to visual effects. The session will be accompanied by a dedicated networking reception hosted by the AI firm, offering a rare opportunity for filmmakers and tech developers to bridge the gap between silicon-based innovation and celluloid-based artistry.
The AI-centric curriculum within InnoAsia does not stop there. The lineup includes several other high-level discussions such as “Making What’s Next: Generative AI and the Future of Filmmaking at Eyeline,” which will explore the technical and ethical dimensions of digital production. Additional sessions like “InnoAsia Cinematic AI,” the “InnoAsia AI Creators Camp,” and the “InnoAsia Next Foundation” aim to cultivate a new generation of creators who are as comfortable with algorithms as they are with cameras. These initiatives suggest that Busan is positioning itself not just as a festival of films, but as a laboratory for the future of the medium.
Beyond the digital frontier, the ACFM is also turning its attention to the meteoric rise of microdramas. Once a niche format primarily confined to social media platforms, the microdrama has exploded into a multi-billion-dollar industry, particularly in Asian markets. The 2026 market will feature two major sessions dedicated to this phenomenon: “InnoAsia The Evolution of Microdrama: China & Beyond” and “Rags 2 Richmond: From Viral Microdrama to Feature Film, and the Future of Trans-Media IP.” These programs will analyze how short-form, vertical content is beginning to influence traditional feature filmmaking and how intellectual property can be successfully transitioned from a 60-second clip to a 90-minute theatrical release.
