France and South Korea have vowed to invest a combined EUR1 billion to support independent filmmaking, as French President Emmanuel Macron and South Korean President Lee Jae-Myung called for the protection of the global film industry.
The aim of this investment is to preserve human creativity from the growing influence of artificial intelligence.
The pledge was announced on Monday at the Lumiere summit, a gathering of more than 200 entertainment figures and industry leaders to discuss the challenges facing cinema in an era shaped by streaming services and AI.
Artificial intelligence in the film industry
The French president stated that the film industry needs to be protected as AI rapidly develops, adding that technology should not replace the work of creative professionals.
Similarly, Lee called for the responsible use of AI, saying filmmaking should always be rooted on people and their emotions.
“The film and audiovisual industry must be rooted in human creativity and must resonate with human emotions,” he said.
EUR1-billion partnership for independent cinema
The deal will see Paris and Seoul contribute to the EUR1-billion investment to bolster independent filmmaking.
An informed source said EUR500 million would come from France’s state investment bank Bpifrance, while the remainder will be provided by South Korea.
Lee hoped that the initiative would extend beyond cooperation between the two countries and benefit the wider global film industry.
In addition to the EUR1-billion investment, France also announced the creation of a separate organization dedicated to supporting independent cinema, with an investment of EUR30 million.
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Hollywood and streaming giants at the summit
The summit was attended by senior executives from major US studios, including Sony Pictures and Disney.
Hollywood actor George Clooney was also present. Pedro Almodóvar and Juliette Binoche also joined the summit remotely.
Streaming giant Netflix and social media platform TikTok were represented, reflecting the increasingly important role of digital platforms in how audiences consume films.
But, some of the industry’s biggest technology companies were absent as YouTube and Meta declined invitations, while major generative AI companies also did not attend.
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AI and copyright concerns take center stage
Rights holders have accused major AI companies of using film and audiovisual material to train generative AI systems without permission.
Gaetan Bruel, head of France’s National Cinema Centre (CNC), has called for concrete action and greater international cooperation to support filmmaking.
He also advocated for “a new multilateralism” for the film industry.
The fast growth of AI and streaming services is changing the movie industry, which makes industry leaders worry about the future of movies in theaters.
But even with these challenges, France and South Korea give hope for the future of movies.
The EUR1-billion investment could give independent filmmakers the resources they need to make new and original movies.
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Diana Mae Y. Cleto 
Levi Mora 
Andre Alfonso R. Gutierrez