Interview with Heo Jin-ho, Jury President of the Global Metaverse AI Film Festival

“Technology flows, but emotions remain. I seek those emotions.”
Every film begins with a question—posed from a single person’s point of view. And when that question evolves into a story, the story into images, and the images into mise-en-scène, we finally meet what we call “a film.”

The Global Metaverse AI Film Festival (GMAFF) now stands at this very starting point. This time, however, there’s a new creative partner: Artificial Intelligence.

In that sense, it’s especially symbolic that director Heo Jin-ho has been appointed as the first jury president of GMAFF.

Just like his films that once posed the unforgettable question, “How does love change?”, Heo has consistently explored the essence of emotion amidst change. His perspective on the unfamiliar conversation between technology, creativity, and humanity is something to watch closely.

“Technology flows, emotions remain… and AI lies in between.”
Throughout the interview, director Heo consistently emphasized one word: emotion.

“AI is, in the literal sense, a tool. But if that tool can help draw out a creator’s inner emotions, I see tremendous potential in that.”
He explained that, as of now, aside from visual effects, AI in the film industry is mostly used for research or editing assistance. But even within these limitations, he believes there must be sincere attempts to connect emotionally.

“Rather than focusing on AI completing a film on its own, I’m more interested in the dialogue—between creators striving to capture emotion and the AI they’re engaging with.”
This remark reflects, much like the line from his film Christmas in August— “Memories aren’t forgotten… they just fade away”—a deep respect for the creator’s enduring effort to hold onto fleeting sincerity.

“We’re judging not for perfection, but for possibility… and emotional nuance.”
In that light, he says the most important factors in GMAFF’s judging process will be narrative and the persuasive power of emotion.

“No matter how advanced visual technology becomes, what truly moves audiences is still the story. Especially with new directors, I care less about the final product and more about what comes next.”

Discovering new filmmakers, he says, is an exciting process.

“Even if a debut short film feels rough or unpolished, if it carries a glimmer of emotional texture, that cannot be ignored. Moments like that are like spring—brief but clearly stirring.”

Just like the playful confession in his film—“Would you like to come in for some ramen?”—he sees potential in incomplete emotions, too.

“GMAFF is a birthplace for new directors… and I’m here to witness it.”
Director Heo knows better than anyone that GMAFF is not just another AI-driven film festival.

“AI is introducing a new set of questions to cinematic creation. How the technology is used is important, yes—but what truly matters is: who are the creators using it, and what perspective are they bringing?”

He hopes GMAFF will become a festival where we get to witness the emergence of new voices in cinema.

“This festival feels like a small photo studio. A place where people’s sincerity brushes past the lens, and one day, we can look back and remember those moments.”

And the day those “photos” come together isn’t far off.

The GMAFF Awards Ceremony will be held at the Metaverse Expo (MVEX) on June 20, at COEX in Seoul. Heo says he’s already excited at the thought of meeting the 21 finalists in person.

“What kind of heart went into telling this story? That’s what I’ll get to see and hear on that day. And as jury president, that will be the most thrilling moment of all. If any of their films linger in someone’s memory for a long time—well, that would be the real prize.”