Newsletter    
Vol.1  1 Apr. 2026
  
01

ACFM 2026 : Preserving the Essence of Cinema

While Navigating the Future


Dear friends and colleagues of the global film and content industry,

I am delighted and excited to share the first news of ACFM 2026 as we look forward to reuniting in the city of film, Busan, this coming October.

Last year, we witnessed the potential of ACFM and the strength of Asian content amidst a
rapidly shifting industry. In 2026, we aim to transform that potential into tangible results. To this end, we will mature the scope of our three core programs—Asian Project Market (APM), Busan Story Market (BSM), and the Sales Market—ensuring they provide even more sophisticated and effective business opportunities. Simultaneously, we will solidify the systems for co-production platforms like Producer Hub, Doc Square, and Platform BUSAN, bridging creative vision with practical industry success.

This year, ACFM invites you to join a deep dive into two primary agendas:

First, it is a constant exploration of the 'Evolution of Cinema' and its boundaries. In an era of rapid technological advancement and platform diversification, we face a pivotal question: "What are the limits of cinema?" By substantiating the vision of 'InnoAsia,' our innovation section, we will take a step closer to the blueprint for the future of the film industry.

Second, strengthening the traditional film market and building a new market ecosystem.
Paradoxically, as the boundaries of cinema expand, we must pay even closer attention to the
traditional value of the 'Theater.' We will seek concrete strategies to provide practical
motivations for sellers and buyers to engage actively and to transform audiences into
'passionate fans of the cinema' rather than mere viewers. By leveraging the data-driven insights provided by 'THE A,' we will create a vibrant platform for active and dynamic conversations among industry professionals.

Our goal remains steadfast: to elevate our status as a global market beyond Asia. A dynamic
platform that safeguards the essential value of film while leading market trends—this is the
promise of ACFM 2026.

See you in October, in Busan, the Ocean of Cinema.

Ellen Y. D. Kim
Director of the Asian Contents & Film Market

02

Asian Cinema Fund 2026 Calls for Submissions!


The Asian Cinema Fund (ACF), which discovers and supports emerging directors from Korea and across Asia, is now calling for submissions for 2026.


ACF supports emerging filmmakers in Korea and across Asia at various stages of the filmmaking process, from script development and documentary production to post-production, helping bring a wide range of projects to completion.


Since its launch in 2007, ACF has selected 414 projects, 321 of which have been completed.


Many of these works have gone on to screen at major international film festivals, including the Busan International Film Festival, earning recognition for their artistic excellence and international potential.


For 2026, ACF is introducing changes to further strengthen co-productions between Korea and Asia.


The Post-Production Fund is now exclusively available for Korean projects, while the Co-production Support Fund has been expanded to support collaborative projects between Korean and Asian filmmakers.


Submissions are now open for two categories available to Asian projects: the Script Development Fund and the Asian Network Documentary (AND) Fund. Applications for the Co-production Support Fund will open this May, offering cash grants opportunities for selected projects.


Detailed submission guidelines are available on the official ACF website (acf.biff.kr/eng).



 Script Development Fund 

  • Submission Dates : ~ 13 April 2026
  • Benefits
    - A cash grant of 10 million KRW

    - Official selection for the Asian Project Market (APM) 2026, with a formal invitation to

      participate in the market.


 Asian Network of Documentary (AND) Fund 

  • Submission Dates : ~ 20 April 2026
  • Benefits
    - A cash grant of up to 20 million KRW per project
    - Official invitation to the Asian Contents & Film Market (ACFM) for one project
      representative

    📧 acf@acfm.kr    📞+82-51-709-2213

    Apply for ACF 2026
    Achievement of ACF

    03

    ACFM Talents:
    Shaping the Future of Asian Cinema

    Projects and directors discovered through ACFM were invited to and received awards at the HKIFF Industry Project Market, which concluded on 19 March.


    The Funeral March by FUJITA Naoya, selected for APM 2025, received the White Light Post-Production Award (IDP). The latest project by director JIANG Xiaoxuan, whose debut feature project was selected through ACF and APM, also received the HAF IDP Award.


    A new project by director Yosep Anggi NOEN, previously discovered through AFA, APM and BIFF, won for the HAF WIP Award and the HAF Goes to Cannes Programme. Director SANJU Surendran, who was selected for the ACF Post-Production Fund and received the BIFF Hylife Vision Award, also won the HAF x CNC Award for his latest project. In addition, the latest project by director KAWAWADA Emma, whose debut feature project was presented at APM, received the La Fonte Award. Director CHIN Chia-Hua, who participated in Platform BUSAN, won both the Kantana Award and the Red Sea Fund Award for her debut feature project.


    These achievements by filmmakers who have grown through the Busan International Film Festival and ACFM demonstrate how Asian cinema continues to expand its reach through the global network.

    04

    BIFF Recognized as an FIAPF ‘A-List’ Festival


    The Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) has been officially recognized as an ‘A-list’ festival under the newly restructured international film festival accreditation system by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF).


    With this recognition, BIFF reaffirms its position among the world’s leading film festivals, joining a select group of 17 ‘A-list’ festivals, including Cannes, Berlin, and Venice.


    The submission deadline for official screenings this year is 2 June for short films and 8 July for feature films. Detailed information on eligibility and submission guidelines can be found on the official Busan International Film Festival website (www.biff.kr).


    Read Full Text
      
    ACFM 2026 to Be Held in Busan This October
    Last Newletter  
      
    ACFM - Future of Asian Content is Decided

    31st Busan International Film Festival: 6 — 15 October
    21st Asian Contents & Film Market (ACFM): 10 — 13 October
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