Netflix Creative Asia Returns to Busan with AI Masterclass

Creative Asia Returns to Busan for Third Consecutive Year

Netflix and the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) are bringing back Creative Asia for a third consecutive year, with the program scheduled for October 10 at Dongseo University’s Centum Campus. BIFF, the Asian Film Commissions Network (AFCNet), and the Motion Picture Association (MPA) all helped shape this year’s lineup. Creative Asia serves as Netflix’s flagship initiative for helping emerging Asian creators develop their ideas for the screen. This year marks the first time the program will include workshops, giving aspiring writers direct access to Netflix content executives.

AI in Filmmaking Takes Center Stage

Netflix and the MPA will co-host “AI in Filmmaking: New Tools, New Possibilities,” a panel exploring how AI is being adopted across the APAC filmmaking industry. Film critic Youn Sung-eun will moderate the discussion, bringing together Sung Q Lee, Netflix’s senior director of APAC production; Kimball Thurston, chief technology officer at Weta FX, the visual effects studio co-founded by Peter Jackson; and director Kang Yun-sung, known for “Run to the West” and “The Outlaws.” The panel promises to examine how artificial intelligence is transforming creative workflows and opening new possibilities for filmmakers throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

Venice Winner “Possible Love” Gets Spotlight Treatment

Cinematographer Kim Ji-yong will deliver a masterclass on shaping the visual world of Venice winner “Possible Love,” walking through the choices he made with director Lee Chang-dong. His approach included trading artificial lighting setups for natural light, with scenes from the film used to illustrate his points. The film is currently playing at BIFF. This masterclass offers aspiring cinematographers rare insight into the creative decision-making process behind an internationally acclaimed production.

Masterclass Series Opens With Location and Storytelling

The masterclass slate opens with “Location and Storytelling,” moderated by Busan Asian Film School professor James Bang, with input from Lauren Cooper of the Location Managers Guild International, “Perfect Days” producer Reiko Kunieda, and Sung Q Lee. Director Han Jun-hee, known for “D.P. 1 & 2,” “Weak Hero Class 1 & 2,” and “The Blue Road,” follows with a session on shaping unexpected material into resonant stories. These sessions provide practical guidance on how location choices and narrative adaptation contribute to compelling storytelling.

New Voices Panel Showcases Emerging Talent

Industry panels also include “New Voices in Filmmaking: What’s Ahead,” moderated by BIFF programmer Jeong Jihye, featuring Namkoong Sun, known for “Love Untangled” and “Time to Be Strong,” alongside “My Aunt” co-directors Wi Eun-kyoung and Son Gwang-min. Their short film won the Grand Prize at Korea’s 2026 Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival. An invite-only Creative Economy Exchange will also run alongside the public programming.

New Workshops Led by Netflix Content Executives

The two new workshops are led by Netflix content executives, marking a significant expansion of the program’s educational offerings. Christopher Mack, the streamer’s director of content acquisition, leads “The Art and Archetypes of Cinematic Storytelling,” while Keo Lee, Netflix’s director of creative strategy, leads “Understanding the Buyer’s Perspective,” covering how projects get greenlit. These workshops provide aspiring creators with insider knowledge about the decision-making processes that determine which projects move forward at major streaming platforms. Direct access to executives who shape content strategy represents a valuable opportunity for emerging Asian filmmakers to understand industry expectations and market dynamics.

Initiative Strengthens Netflix’s Asian Content Pipeline

The expansion of Creative Asia reflects Netflix’s continued commitment to developing Asian content and nurturing regional talent. By adding workshops to the existing masterclass and panel format, the program now offers a more comprehensive educational experience. Aspiring writers gain direct access to Netflix content executives, creating pathways for new voices to enter the streaming ecosystem. The collaboration between Netflix, BIFF, AFCNet, and MPA demonstrates how industry stakeholders are working together to support the next generation of Asian filmmakers.

The program’s focus on practical skills-from cinematography techniques and location management to understanding buyer perspectives and navigating the greenlight process-equips participants with knowledge they can immediately apply to their projects. The inclusion of successful filmmakers like Han Jun-hee and award winners like the “My Aunt” directors provides concrete examples of how emerging creators can break through in a competitive industry. Dongseo University’s Centum Campus serves as the venue for this convergence of established industry leaders and aspiring talent, creating an environment conducive to learning and networking.

The AI panel addresses one of the most pressing questions facing the global film industry today. With Weta FX represented through chief technology officer Kimball Thurston, participants will hear from one of the world’s leading visual effects studios about how artificial intelligence tools are being integrated into production workflows. The conversation promises to balance technological innovation with creative vision, examining both opportunities and challenges that AI presents for filmmakers. This topic resonates particularly strongly in the Asia-Pacific region, where rapid technological adoption often intersects with rich storytelling traditions.

The October 10 event consolidates Creative Asia’s position as a key platform for Asian filmmaking talent development. As Netflix continues expanding its regional content offerings, programs like this help build the creative infrastructure necessary to sustain long-term growth. The combination of masterclasses, panels, and workshops creates multiple entry points for participants at different stages of their careers, from students learning foundational skills to emerging directors seeking to understand industry dynamics. This comprehensive approach positions Creative Asia as more than a one-day event-it serves as a catalyst for ongoing creative development across the Asian film industry.