# Gyeongsangbuk-do AI Metaverse Film Festival expansion > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/gyeongsangbuk-do-ai-metaverse-film-festival-expansion > Updated: 2026-09-03T11:15:00.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2. Gyeongsangbuk-do is expanding the Gyeongbuk International AI Metaverse Film Festival (GAMFF) into a global industrial platform to support local talent and companies in international markets. The initiative aims to connect regional industries—including AI, virtual convergence, film, advertising, and gaming—with global creators through specialized hubs in Gumi, Pohang, and Gyeongsan. The 2026 festival saw a significant increase in participation, receiving 3,403 entries from 97 countries. During the event, director Lee Sang-hoon received the grand prize for ‘Oasis’. Beyond film screenings, the festival includes B2B exhibitions and discussions on utilizing AI and digital twin technology to address regional challenges, such as managing rural vacancies, supporting foreign worker settlement, and creating youth employment. To support the ecosystem, the province is facilitating investment consultations and export opportunities to grow the festival into a world-class event. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-03: Gyeongbuk International AI Metaverse Film Festival opens in Gumi The 2026 Gyeongbuk International AI Metaverse Film Festival opened in Gumi, South Korea, featuring 3,403 entries from 97 countries and discussions on using AI to solve regional economic and social issues. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gyeongbuk-international-ai-metaverse-film-festival-opens-in-gumi ### 2026-08-18: Gyeongsangbuk-do expands AI Metaverse Film Festival into global industry platform Gyeongsangbuk-do is transforming the Gyeongbuk International AI Metaverse Film Festival into a global platform, following a massive surge in international entries from 97 countries. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gyeongsangbuk-do-expands-ai-metaverse-film-festival-into-global-industry-platform --- Cite as: Gyeongsangbuk-do AI Metaverse Film Festival expansion. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/gyeongsangbuk-do-ai-metaverse-film-festival-expansion