Park Kiyong:”AI and the Expansion of Imagination”

This talk looks at artificial intelligence in a friendly, practical way—especially from the perspective of independent and low-budget animation makers. My main argument is simple: AI doesn’t replace imagination. It makes individual imagination more critical, while giving small creators new freedom.

I begin with a brief overview of animation history. Every technological change—from hand-drawn cells to digital tools—helped artists do more with less. AI continues this tradition. It reduces costs, shortens production time, and allows one person or a small team to experiment with worlds, styles, and movements that once required large studios and big budgets.

Next, I talk about AI as a creative partner. AI can generate many options quickly, but it doesn’t know which one matters. That choice comes from the artist. Personal imagination—shaped by memory, culture, curiosity, and play—is what gives direction and meaning to the work. Without it, AI results feel empty. With it, AI becomes empowering.

I also touch on everyday worries about originality and authorship. In reality, the easier it becomes to generate images, the more valuable a clear, personal voice becomes.

I conclude by encouraging animators, especially emerging creators, to see AI as an opportunity. AI can democratize animation—but imagination is what makes it human.

Speaker: Park Kiyong

Park Kiyong is a Korean filmmaker, educator, and policy leader. His directorial debut, Motel Cactus (1997), won the New Currents Award at the Busan International Film Festival, followed by Camel(s) (2001), which earned the Grand Prix at Fribourg.
As head of KAFA (2001–2009), he pioneered a feature-length production programme. In 2005, he co-founded the Asian Film Academy (AFA) with BIFF. In 2007, he launched Cinema Digital Seoul (CinDi). Since 2012, he has taught at Dankook University's Graduate School of Cinema, serving as dean from 2018 to 2020.
His filmography includes essay films addressing social issues—Moving (2011), Garibong (2013), Yanji (2015), and Noli Timere (2018)—and narrative features such as Picture of Hell (2016), Old Love (2017), Tears of Mokpo (2019), and Gangwondo (2020).
As KOFIC Chairperson (2022–2024), he founded the Asian Film Alliance Network (AFAN), uniting film agencies from Korea, Mongolia, Taiwan, the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand. Awarded France's Order of Merit by the Ministry of Culture, Park is currently developing two international co-production projects: Ghost Island, a Korean-Indonesian co-production, and Searchers, a Korean-Mongolian co-production.
He is also referred to as the 'Godfather' of New Talent’ in the film industry and is a strong supporter of NIAFF, dedicated to nurturing young creators.