Busan's Asian Contents & Film Market Expands Into AI and Microdramas for 2026 Edition

The Asian Contents & Film Market (ACFM) returns for its 21st edition in Busan (October 10–13) with a significantly broadened mandate. Beyond its traditional film sales and co-production functions, the 2026 market is positioning itself as a hub for generative AI, microdramas, and IP adaptation across formats. Its new InnoAsia strand draws 44 organizations exploring how AI and emerging technology are reshaping filmmaking, while the Busan Story Market introduces a Remake IP section to help rights holders extend stories across film, series, and short-form platforms.

ACFM director Ellen YD Kim framed the shift as a response to industry pressure: "The industry is at a crossroads and the ACFM aims to offer a map for the Asian film industry." Last year's 20th-anniversary edition set records — 3,024 professionals from 55 countries, 8,438 business meetings, and an estimated $71.1m in transactions — though Kim acknowledges growth has moderated in 2026. The market's 64 programmes across seven strands reflect a deliberate push to connect film with technology, brands, and adjacent entertainment sectors including gaming.