CGV is making waves in the film industry by introducing South Korea's first AI-powered film contest, which aims to harness the power of artificial intelligence to redefine filmmaking. Announced on March 17, 2025, this groundbreaking initiative invites filmmakers from various backgrounds to submit their creative works through the CGV mobile app and website by April 25, 2025.
The contest allows submissions of 10 to 20-minute film clips generated using generative AI, under themes that include stories about various heroes and villains found in daily life or imaginative settings. As CGV's Content and Marketing Manager, Kim Jae-in expressed, "This contest allows filmmakers to showcase their creativity through AI," highlighting the excitement at CGV regarding this innovative endeavor.
This competition stands out not only for its novel use of technology but also for its open-door policy. It welcomes all filmmakers, whether they are seasoned professionals or enthusiastic amateurs, as long as their submissions are unpublished originals. What's more, there are no restrictions on genre or production year, making this an inviting opportunity for a wide range of cinematic expressions.
As for evaluating entries, the judging criteria will focus on various aspects: 40% on storytelling, 30% on creativity, and 30% on technical skill. This multi-faceted approach seeks to not only reward technically proficient works but also those that resonate on an emotional and narrative level.
The contest will unfold in two rounds, kicking off with a preliminary selection of 15 films, which will then be narrowed down in a final round to determine the top five award-winning pieces. The judging panel is comprised of industry experts, including director Eom Tae-hwa, influential YouTuber Kweido, and author Kim Joong-hyuk, each bringing unique perspectives to the evaluation process.
The finalists will have the honor of having their works screened at CGV theaters, and the overall prize pool is expected to be around 50 million won. Final results are slated to be announced on May 23, 2025, an event that could stir a considerable buzz within the film community.
In conjunction with this exciting competition, CGV is also forging ahead in the realm of cinema technology. On March 17, 2025, CGV signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with industry giants Samsung Electronics and Harman to create a future-oriented movie theater experience utilizing AI innovations. This partnership promises to integrate advanced technologies and AI solutions across screens, sound systems, and overall cinema space, thereby enhancing customer experiences.
The collaboration will see the introduction of Samsung's next-generation Cinema LED screen into CGV cinemas, providing viewers with clearer and more vibrant picture quality far beyond that available from traditional projection methods. As CJ CGV CEO Jeong Jong-min put it, "Our technologies will set a new standard for movie watching experiences," indicating high expectations for the upgrade.
Furthermore, Harman’s immersive sound solutions will be employed, maximizing auditory experiences and creating profound emotional connections during film screenings. Integrative systems, developed through Samsung's SmartThings technology, will allow for the automatic adjustment of lighting, temperature, and air quality based on viewer capacity, thereby enhancing overall comfort and enjoyment for audiences.
The advanced Cinema LED screens, such as the Onyx, boast brightness that is at least six times that of standard projectors, reaching impressive luminance levels of up to 300 nits. This leap in visual technology will adapt to serve various forms of entertainment, from traditional movie showings to live concerts and dining cinema experiences, ensuring versatility in content delivery.
The partnership aims for implementation in two pilot cinemas, paving the way for expansion into CGV's premium theaters both domestically and internationally. Harman's VP Amar Subash remarked, "The introduction of AI in this way opens new avenues for storytelling," emphasizing the innovative aspects of this theater revolution.
With the advent of the AI movie contest and the immersive experiences promised through the new technologies, CGV is positioning itself not only as a leader in cinema but as a harbinger of the future of entertainment. As these initiatives take root, they could resonate across the film industry, fostering a culture of creativity, exploration, and advanced audience engagement.
