Capturing the World of Korean AI Cinema! Director Oh Dong-ha's 'Zero' Wins 4 Awards at the U.S. International AI Film Festival

The film 〈Zero〉 has captured global attention by winning 4 awards at the AI International Film Festival held in Hollywood, showcasing new possibilities for AI-based creation. The AI International Film Festival, established in 2021, is the world's first AI film festival and is regarded as an authoritative event known as the 'Academy Awards for AI Films.' The screenings and awards ceremony held locally in Hollywood gather creators, industry professionals, and audiences from around the world to share the new trends in AI-based cinema. In this festival, Director Oh Dong-ha's film 〈Zero〉 swept 4 categories including Best Hybrid AI Film, Best Director, Best Screenwriting, and Best Drama, earning the honor of being the most awarded film at the festival. This achievement follows the recognition of being the best work on the international stage after winning the Grand Prize at the 2025 Global Metaverse AI Film Festival.

〈Zero〉 is a near-future sci-fi drama depicting the journey of a genius writer, Jang Yoo, who was even mentioned as a candidate for the Nobel Prize in Literature, as he seeks to reclaim his literary honor from the AI novelist 'Zero' and find its developer, Vera. The film stars Lee Sang-hee, who left a strong impression as the glassmaker in Season 1 of 〈Squid Game〉, and has garnered significant attention as a hybrid film that combines live-action and AI technology. The work goes beyond a mere technical demonstration, presenting a narrative that questions the essence of creation and the value of humanity in a situation where AI replaces human roles. The jury praised it, stating, "The use of AI transcends mere technical display and conveys a genuine story and emotions."

In his acceptance speech, Director Oh Dong-ha stated, "〈Zero〉 originated from a 5-page short story I wrote during my high school years. While AI technology is rapidly advancing, what truly matters is the story. AI is the best tool for creators like me to independently realize the imaginations in our minds." He continued, "I am currently preparing a mid-length AI hybrid film with famous domestic actors, a vertical short-form series, and a feature-length AI film project simultaneously," expressing confidence that he is ready to surprise the world once again. This award is significant as it can be recorded as a case proving that Korean cinema can lead the world in the new genre of AI films based on artificial intelligence. The achievements of 〈Zero〉 open up the possibility for Korea to lead in the field of AI cinema, raising expectations for future Korean AI films. Meanwhile, the film 〈Zero〉 is set to be released through the YouTube channel 'Channel Mozaic,' represented by Director Oh Dong-ha. This will allow for more global audiences to communicate through online platforms and experience the potential of Korean AI cinema directly.