‘Taking on Silicon Valley with AI Films’—SVAIFF Korea to be held in December, with 30 million won in total prize money

[Financial News] The Silicon Valley AI Film Festival Korea 2026 (SVAIFF Korea 2026), which seeks to discover film and video works made with generative artificial intelligence (AI) and support domestic creators’ expansion overseas, will be held this December.
According to the Silicon Valley AI Korea Organizing Committee on the 26th, the festival will accept submissions through November 25 and plans to hold its awards ceremony on December 17 at Gabin Art Hall in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. It is hosted by Epark AI and the Korea AI Marketing Institute and co-organized by the Silicon Valley AI Korea Organizing Committee and Mbig.
The total prize pool is 30 million won, with 10 million won going to the grand prize winner. A total of 19 people or teams will be selected across 12 categories to receive cash prizes, certificates and trophies. Including 31 people or teams receiving encouragement awards for finalists, a total of 50 people or teams will be awarded.
Award-winning works will have the opportunity to compete in the global final in Silicon Valley, United States, next January. The 19 works receiving cash prizes must be submitted to the final, and the organizers will cover the $99 evaluation fee per work. The 31 works receiving encouragement awards may choose whether to enter; if they do, they must pay the evaluation fee themselves. There is no entry fee for the Korean competition.
Planned submission categories include AI fiction films, animation, documentaries, advertising, music videos, AI idols and Arirang K-culture. Separate awards and special prizes will also be offered for teenage and university student creators.
Judging will combine a score of 75 points for the finished work and 25 points for the creative process. Judges will assess not only the story, direction, visual expression, editing and sound, but also the creative intent and planning, the process of trial and error and revision, and the submitter’s role. Submitters must provide a two-page creative statement and three supporting scenes along with their video.
The Global AI Idol Awards 2026 will also be held at the venue on the same day. A preview showcase ahead of its full launch next year, it will introduce AI idols and related content. The winner of the Best AI Idol award will receive 3.5 million won.


[email protected] Kim Hak-jae Reporter