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.
The InnoAsia section will also feature the “InnoAsia WIP (Work-in-Progress) Showcase,” which highlights 11 projects currently in various stages of production. Among the most anticipated entries are new works from acclaimed director Kang Yunsung and the powerhouse Climax Studio. Furthermore, the “Cinema by Brand” initiative will spotlight three unique collaborations between major commercial brands and filmmakers, selected through a competitive open call to demonstrate the growing synergy between advertising and narrative storytelling.
The wider ACFM 2026 lineup is organized into seven distinct sections: The A, Asian Project Market (APM), Busan Story Market (BSM), InnoAsia, Producer Hub, Doc Square, and Platform Busan. These sections will be spread across eight different venues throughout the four-day event, ensuring a high-density environment for networking and deal-making.
One of the most significant structural changes for the 2026 edition is the elevation of Thailand to the newly created role of Country of Honor. This designation reflects Thailand’s burgeoning influence as a regional powerhouse for genre cinema and high-quality production services. As part of this spotlight, Thailand will present five genre features in the “BSM Pitch & Match – Thai Remake IP” strand, a new category within the Busan Story Market specifically designed to facilitate the cross-border adaptation of successful stories. This is complemented by the “Thailand: The Next Chapter” initiative, which aims to forge direct links between Thai talent—including directors, writers, and actors—and international investors looking for the next breakout hit from Southeast Asia.
Meanwhile, Japan has been named the Focus Country for the Producer Hub section. In partnership with the Visual Industry Promotion Organization (Vipo), the market will host “Focusing on Japan: Pitch Showcase of 10 Selected Producers.” This program will allow ten of Japan’s most promising producers to present their upcoming slates to a global audience of financiers and distributors. The Producer Hub’s 12-program schedule will also delve into how the proliferation of streaming services and short-form platforms is forcing a radical rethink of traditional business models. Producers from South Korea, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, and other regions will participate in roundtable discussions to compare regional strategies, with a particular focus on a new Brazil-Korea co-production model. To facilitate these high-level connections, the ACFM has added a “Morning Networking” session to the daily schedule for the first time.
The business of cinema remains a cornerstone of the market, and “The A” section will focus heavily on the movement of capital and the mechanics of distribution. “The A Summit: AFAN Spotlight – The Dynamic Shifts and Shake-up for Film Distribution in Asia” will bring together key figures from the regional distribution sector to discuss the challenges posed by shifting theatrical windows and the dominance of digital platforms. Parallel to this, “The A Summit: Investor Summit & Connect” will examine emerging trends in co-production and the current state of film financing, providing a roadmap for how independent projects can secure funding in an increasingly competitive environment.
Documentary filmmaking continues to have a strong presence at the ACFM through Doc Square. The 10-program docket for this section is anchored by the “Impact Asia Impact Day” on October 12. This event is dedicated to the social reach and political influence of Asian documentaries. By using case studies such as the Taiwanese film Small Talk and the Japanese film What Should We Have Done?, the sessions will explore how non-fiction storytelling can drive social change and reach audiences across borders in Korea, Taiwan, and Japan.
Platform Busan, the market’s dedicated networking forum for independent filmmakers, will kick off each morning with the “Platform Busan Pitch & Meet” sessions. Its diverse slate includes educational and collaborative programs such as “Film Festivals & Markets 101” and a detailed case study on international co-production titled “Becoming Punk: An International Co-production Case Study of ‘Ria’,” featuring producer Christine de Leon. Global connectivity is a recurring theme here, with sessions like “An Introduction to TorinoFilmLab,” “EFM x ACFM: Connecting Berlin and Busan,” and “Connecting Asia & Ibero-America: Unlocking Market Opportunities in Co-Production and Distribution.” Additionally, the “Uta x Gold House: Hollywood & The Asian Diaspora” session will explore the growing influence of Asian-American and Asian-diasporic talent in the global industry.
The 2026 market follows on the heels of a record-breaking 20th anniversary edition in 2025. That year, the ACFM saw its highest turnout to date, attracting 1,222 companies and 3,024 professionals from 55 different countries. Total on-site attendance reached a staggering 30,006 people. The economic impact of the 2025 market was equally impressive, with 8,438 business meetings recorded and an estimated $71.1 million in transactions finalized on the floor.
As the industry prepares for the 21st ACFM, expectations are high that the 2026 edition will build upon this momentum. The market is scheduled to run from October 10 to 13, taking place during the heart of the 31st Busan International Film Festival, which will span the ten-day period from October 6 to 15. The convergence of technological innovation, regional spotlights, and a renewed focus on the business of distribution ensures that Busan remains the indispensable meeting point for the Asian film community and its global partners. The event will culminate in the ACFM Awards Ceremony, recognizing excellence across multiple categories and celebrating the projects that represent the future of Asian cinema.
