President Lee Jae-myung announced the launch of the 'Lumière Partnership,' in which South Korea and France will each invest €500 million in the film and video industry over the next five years. He emphasized the need for international cooperation to address key challenges facing the industry, including the theater crisis, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), support for independent films, and the coexistence of local content with global platforms.
In his opening speech at the 'Lumière Summit' held in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, France, on September 7, President Lee expressed his hope that this partnership would extend beyond bilateral relations and serve as a beacon for a new future in the global film and video industry.
More than 200 leaders from the film and video industry and cultural sectors from over 50 countries attended the summit. President Lee participated as a co-chair alongside French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss the future of the film and video industry and international collaboration.
President Lee noted that 2026 holds special significance for both global and Korean cinema, marking the centennial of the first feature film to introduce synchronized music and sound effects, 'Don Juan,' and the animated feature 'The Adventures of Prince Ahmed.' In Korea, it also marks the 100th anniversary of the release of 'Arirang' by director Na Un-kyu.
He highlighted that 'Arirang,' released in 1926, was a major box office success, and its theme song, 'Bonjo Arirang,' has become a symbol of the Korean spirit. He expressed hope that the summit would be recorded as a platform for innovation and growth in the film and video industry.
President Lee emphasized the cultural and industrial value of the film and video industry, stating that film has led the popularization of art as a comprehensive art form that combines artistic and commercial elements. He noted that, at the national level, it is a vital resource for shaping a country's image and enhancing its soft power.
He also showcased the global achievements of Korean content, mentioning films like 'Parasite,' which addresses class issues in Korean society, and Lee Chang-dong's 'Burning,' which elevated the status of Korean cinema at the Cannes Film Festival. He pointed out that series like 'Kingdom' and 'K-Pop Demon Hunters' have introduced traditional Korean culture to the world.
President Lee assessed that the results stem from solid content with unique Korean originality, intertwined with advancements in technology and industry.
He diagnosed that the changing media environment and audience consumption patterns, along with the spread of AI technology, are driving a significant transformation in film and video production and consumption.
While he acknowledged that failing to adapt to these changes would pose a clear crisis, he also noted that proactive responses could present significant opportunities. He urged industry stakeholders from various countries who have led innovation in the cultural sector to pool their wisdom to respond to these changes.
The first challenge he identified was the 'theater crisis.' He described theaters as the primary distribution channel where films meet audiences, serving as democratic cultural spaces that showcase a variety of works from independent films to major commercial releases.
However, he explained that the pandemic has altered the traditional pattern of gathering to watch films, and the rise of OTT platforms has exacerbated the crisis in theaters, affecting the entire film industry.
President Lee noted that domestic theaters are developing special screening rooms that incorporate technology to enhance audience satisfaction and create new demand. He also mentioned that film festivals like the Busan International Film Festival continue to generate public interest in films.
Nevertheless, he pointed out that these efforts alone are insufficient. There is a need to produce and distribute more high-quality films that provide compelling reasons to be seen in theaters and to expand the theater experience for younger generations.
The second challenge he highlighted was the threats and opportunities posed by AI. He noted that generative AI has opened a new era where a few creators can produce various sizes of video content without extensive manpower, costs, or time.
At the same time, he acknowledged the rapid emergence of issues that need to be addressed, such as job losses in the industry, the replication of actors' likenesses and voices, and copyright and data training concerns.
Referencing the 'San Francisco AI Declaration' announced in July, President Lee emphasized the importance of creating a future where AI develops responsibly and human-centered, providing new opportunities for all.
He stated, 'The film and video industry is one that must be centered on humanity, grounded in human creativity and connected to human emotions,' and stressed that AI should be utilized in a way that supports human growth based on human-centered values during the creative process.
The third challenge he identified was the importance of independent films and diversity. He emphasized that independent films are the future and a continuous source of growth for the film industry. He explained that the creative talents discovered through independent films have become sources of new imagination and narratives, and various experiments through independent films have marked turning points in changing existing cinematic grammar.
While the recent changes in the media environment and the theater crisis pose challenges for the independent film sector, he noted that they could also present opportunities to discover new roles. Although independent films, which may have lower box office potential due to reduced theater revenues, could be pushed out of theaters, they could also attract audiences seeking different experiences.
President Lee remarked that despite the number of moviegoers in Korea dropping to half last year from over 200 million before the pandemic, gem-like independent films have still drawn audiences to theaters.
He stated, 'South Korea will also become a strong partner for independent films, contributing to the growth of the global film and video ecosystem.'
The fourth challenge he presented was the coexistence and collaboration between local content and global platforms. He noted that the emergence and spread of global OTT platforms have allowed local content to be released simultaneously worldwide, making it easier for global audiences to access content that embodies the unique sentiments of various countries.
President Lee quoted renowned director Martin Scorsese, saying, 'The most personal is the most creative,' and highlighted how unique narratives from local productions, including K-movies and K-dramas, are expanding cultural horizons for global audiences.
However, he diagnosed that the expansion of global OTT platforms has diminished the influence of local broadcasters, and issues surrounding the coexistence of local content producers and global OTTs are growing. He emphasized the need for local broadcasters and OTTs to strive for coexistence by producing and discovering creative and diverse content based on their unique characteristics and perspectives.
President Lee stated, 'We will fulfill our responsible role to ensure that the coexistence and collaboration of local and global becomes the first principle of the global film and video industry.'
As a specific international cooperation measure, he proposed the 'Lumière Partnership' between South Korea and France. He explained that this partnership, named after the Lumière brothers, represents a commitment to invest €500 million (approximately 800 billion won) each in the film and video industry over the next five years.
President Lee concluded, 'This partnership, proposed by South Korea and welcomed by France, will serve as a solid stepping stone for the global stage of local content, alongside investments and co-productions to revitalize our respective film and video industries.'
* This article has been translated by AI.
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