10:30~11:10Keynote Speech

The topic and content of the lecture will be announced later.

Sten-Kristian SALUVEER

Strategic Advisor & Head of Cannes Next / CEO of Storytek

Sten-Kristian Saluveer is a visionary in media and technology, known for pioneering initiatives between South Korea, Japan, and Europe, and creating Estonia's first genre film festival, Haapsalu Horror and Fantasy Film Festival(abbreviated HÕFF). He founded Storytek, a media tech innovation hub, and co-developed future strategies for the European Film and Media sector. Sten led Horizon 2020-backed STADIEM and devised the Startup Estonia 2.0 strategy. He serves on the advisory board of Future Hubs at VRT and as Strategic Advisor for NEXT at Marche Du Film, Festival de Cannes. Additionally, he curates 'Picture This' conference in Copenhagen and exclusive tech innovator meetings with EU Commissioner Thierry Breton. Sten advises on media, AI, and the metaverse, and has produced notable projects like Sakamoto Ryuichi's Cannes performance and the XR work MURALS (2023), winning the Audience Award at BFI London Film Festival.

11:10~12:00Talk and Case Study

Truth and Trust in the era of AI-Generated Media

Imagine finding a video online where you're saying things you strongly disagree with. But here's the twist?it's not really you. It's a deep fake made using advanced technology. In today's world of powerful AI and lifelike fake media, we're entering a major crisis of truth. This situation is like the Napster era, but far more dangerous and unregulated. How do we deal with this? We're getting hit with more messages than ever before. Many are interesting, but how many are true? What can we do about this? Together, let's discuss these important questions and find a way to protect the truth in our digital age.

Maciej ŻEMOJCIN

Virtual Production Producer of the XR work Murals / Creative technologist / PixelRace CEO

Maciej Żemojcin is the first virtual production producer in Poland, Co-founder of ATM Virtual studio, Speaker at Cannes Next, Berlinale, and Camerimage. Also he is Instructor at EAVE and WEMW producers' workshops and Member of the GROUP OF HUMANS. Additionally, he is Head of AI films at CampusAI. He works as a Virtual Production supervisor and script consultant for the application of technology in storytelling and Pioneer of practical AI tools application in film and TV production. He has 20 years of experience in international film production. He worked with crews from all over the world. Technically driven films and technology in storytelling are his passion. It's all about exploring and pushing forward the boundary of the connection between the digital and physical worlds. He believes in Arthur C. Clarke's law: 'Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.' Privately, he is a skiing instructor, sailing skipper, constant explorer, and adventure seeker.

13:00~13:40Talk and Case Study

Human Creativity Using Generative Image AI: Between Intent and Randomness

This session explores the core concepts of Stable diffusion-based generative image AI, discussing the significance and methodologies of artist-AI collaboration. It aims to focus not only on mechanical efficiency but also on expanding creativity through AI.

JO Kyung-hun

Director / CEO of Studio Animal

Jo Kyunghun is the CEO of Studio Animal, an animation production company, and serves as the Chairman of the Bucheon Content Industry Association and the President of the Korean Animation Industry Association. Currently, he holds the position of Vice Chairman of the Korean Animation Industry Association. He directed the feature-length animation film Beauty Water (2020), winning the President's Award at the 2021 Korea Animation Awards, as well as the Art Direction Award and Music Award at the WAF Awards, and the Best Animation Award at the Boston Sci-Fi Film Festival.

13:40~14:20Talk and Case Study

AI Voice Cloning for Film, TV and More (Audio Engineering)

This session will examine real-world examples of how synthetic speech and AI voices have been utilized by major studios, including Disney, Paramount, Sony, Netflix, and others. Additionally, it will share best practices on how to use synthetic voices in an ethical and respectful manner. The presentation will also include insights on the current state of the technology and future developments in the field of synthetic speech.

Anna BULAKH

Head of AI Ethics & Partnerships Respeecher

Respeecher is a reliable AI voice partner that delivers ethical and authentic voices across various industries. Their services include speech-to-speech, text-to-speech, accent conversion, cross-lingual voice cloning, and real-time voice and accent changes. They have been working with top-tier companies such as Disney, Paramount, Sony, Netflix, and others, delivering the highest quality synthetic speech for demanding production projects over the past six years.

By collaborating with key players and staying updated with the latest advancements, Respeecher remains at the forefront of innovation, providing unparalleled services to their clients. Their commitment to excellence and ethical practices sets us apart in the competitive landscape of AI voice technology. As an active participant in the discourse on AI voices, she contributes to industry panels and podcasts, sharing insights gained from their experience working with emerging technology.

Margarita GRUBINA

Business Development Manager of Respeecher

Respeecher is a reliable AI voice partner that delivers ethical and authentic voices across various industries. Their services include speech-to-speech, text-to-speech, accent conversion, cross-lingual voice cloning, and real-time voice and accent changes. They have been working with top-tier companies such as Disney, Paramount, Sony, Netflix, and others, delivering the highest quality synthetic speech for demanding production projects over the past six years.

By collaborating with key players and staying updated with the latest advancements, Respeecher remains at the forefront of innovation, providing unparalleled services to their clients. Their commitment to excellence and ethical practices sets us apart in the competitive landscape of AI voice technology. As an active participant in the discourse on AI voices, she contributes to industry panels and podcasts, sharing insights gained from their experience working with emerging technology.

14:30~15:30Talk and Case Study

Magic of Turning Scenarios into Webtoons: DeepToon

This session explores DeepToon, an AI-powered webtoon creation platform. By inputting scenarios and scripts, the platform analyzes and automatically generates images with dialogue balloons to create webtoons. However, at each stage of the process, it is designed to allow human intervention for desired direction and creative control. Additionally, with a single click, creators can publish in galleries and reach global audiences through automated translation on this platform.

June OH

CEO & Producer of Dreams Inc. / Writer

June Oh is CEO and producer of Dreamers Inc., as well as a writer. He serializes the Naver web novel Three Kingdoms and is also the webtoon writer for the same title. Previously, he served as a producer at Shin Cinema, team leader of the portal division at Hanbit Soft, head of strategic planning at Gravity, CEO/producer at Dreamers Entertainment Inc., and CSO at Macrograph and Espresso Media, engaging in production and producing across various fields including animation, film, games, and webtoons..

15:30~16:10Talk and Case Study

About a Hero - A Case Study: Are We as Complex as We Think We Are?

About a Hero is a murder mystery featuring the involuntary participation of Werner Herzog.In this session, Piotr Winiewicz, director of About a Hero, will discuss the process behind the making of his debut feature film, the extensive use of Machine Learning and AI tools, and the existential and philosophical reflections that this process triggered. During the session, he will present three excerpts from the film and additional material from behind the scenes.

Piotr WINIEWICZ

Filmmaker / Artist

Piotr Winiewicz is an artist and filmmaker. He is a graduate of the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna. His work focuses on the blurred lines between fiction and reality. About a Hero, a Pressman and Tambo Production, will be his debut feature film.

16:20~17:10Panel Discussion

How AI Will Transform the Film and Video Industry

AI technology is driving innovation across all aspects of the film and video industry. This panel discussion will explore how AI is being utilized in various areas such as content creation, editing, visual effects, special effects, and voice synthesis. We will examine the impact of these technologies on productivity and creativity within the industry, and how AI is transforming the viewing experience. Join us for an in-depth discussion on the future of the film and video industry led by AI, and uncover the vast potential it holds.

Moderator	Sten-Kristian SALUVEERStrategic Advisor & Head of Cannes Next / CEO of Storytek
Panels	Maciej ŻEMOJCINCreative Technologist / VP Producer of the XR work Murals Anna BULAKHHead of AI Ethics & Partnerships Respeecher June OHCEO & Producer of Dreams Inc. / Writer LEE Dong-haCEO & Producer of REDPETER FILMS / Representative Director of Producers Guild of Korea(PGK)

LEE Dong-ha

CEO & Producer of REDPETER FILMS / Representative Director of Producers Guild of Korea(PGK)

LEE Dongha participated as a producer in several notable films including the Korea-France co-production A Brand New Life (2009), the Cannes award-winning Poetry (2010), Hwayi: A Monster Boy (2013), and A Man and A Woman (2015). In 2014, he founded REDPETER FILMS and produced Train to Busan (2016), which was a major success domestically and internationally. He also produced Psychokinesis (2017), Another Child (2018), Birthday (2018), and Peninsula (2020). The 2024 Netflix series The Bequeathed topped the global non-English TV category. Currently, he is preparing for the release of TVING's documentary series Life Line: The Special Rescue Team 3 and the film Hideaway. In 2024, he was elected Representative Director of the Korean Film Producers Association (PGK).

17:20~18:10Panel Discussion

Asia XR Festival Alliance & Sanrio Collaboration

How do Brand and Festivals Involve in XR & AI?
Sanrio started engaging with virtual reality and immersive a few years ago, today XR Festival Asia and Sanrio are meeting at a crossroads, for discussing and defining the collaboration between brand and festivals. Join us for a conversation between Sanrio and 3 programmers from XR Festival Asia on what can be established between brands and festivals in this session. Also learn what type of AI technology or tool can be useful for integrating into new story writing and content creation.

Moderator	Jay KIMXR Curator of BIFAN
Panels	WATANABE Hiroki, Huang Haojie, Eddie LOU, MACHIBA Katsutoshi

WATANABE Hiroki

Manager of the XR Business Team (Sanrio)

Watanabe Hiroki is joining Sanrio in 2019, initially assigned to the Global Business Department, overseeing overseas subsidiaries in the Asian region and involved in the establishment of the Singapore subsidiary.
In 2022, transferred to the Digital Business Development Department and directed the VR metaverse event 'SANRIO Virtual Festival.'
Currently serving as a Senior Manager of the XR Business Team, planning and producing VR projects and VTuber projects.

Huang Haojie

Director of Kaohsiung Film Archive

Since 2007, Huao Haojie has served as a curator at the Kaohsiung Film Festival, and in 2017, he became the deputy director of the Kaohsiung Film Archive. He is responsible for planning the Kaohsiung International Short Film Competition, as well as the “Kaohsiung Shorts” and “Kaohsiung VR Film Lab” subsidy projects. Recognized as a key figure in the film industry, He has significantly contributed to the Kaohsiung Film Archive and Kaohsiung Film Festival, both sponsored by the Kaohsiung City Government. The Archive promotes the film industry and offers diverse cinematic experiences in southern Taiwan. He leads the International Short Film Competition, which includes Taiwan, International, and VR sections, discovering new filmmakers and fostering cultural exchange. The VR FILM LAB, inspired by the Archive’s projects, produces original VR and XR works and collaborates internationally. Through his efforts, Haojie has enriched Kaohsiung's film culture, making it a vibrant center for cinematic arts and technology.

Eddie LOU

CEO of Sandman Studios & Founder of Sandbox Immersive Festival (SIF)

Eddie Lou was graduated from Imperial College London, University of the Arts London, and London Business School.
As an immersive expert, he is focusing on pushing the development of narrative VR content industry in China and has been invited to speak at major film festivals, such as Venice, SXSW, Berlinale, Cannes, etc.
Sandman Studios is the leading company of AR/VR in China as Free Whale, Fresh Out, and Mandala were premiered and selected by Venice VR competition from 2017 to 2022, which Mandala is also a co-production project with Digital Rise in France.
He and his team are developing a new metaverse virtual platform and large room scale multiplayer projects that can provide interactive, immersive, educational, and entertainment for audiences in the world.

MACHIBA Katsutoshi

Producer and director of XR contents

Machiba Katsutoshi is Producer and director of XR contents. He is Part-time lecturer at the Graduate School of Film and New Media, Tokyo University of the Arts. He founded 'Beyond The Frame Festival,' Japan's first international film festival dedicated to XR. He studied filmmaking in the U.S., TV director, Japanese producer for 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment Japan, and GearVR for Samsung Electronics Japan. He has produced numerous VR projects that have been highly acclaimed at film festivals in Japan and abroad, and has been nominated for the Venice International Film Festival's VR Competition 'VENICE IMMERSIVE' for four consecutive years in 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023.