Our Manager Natalie Moore headed out to Busan UNESCO City of Film, South Korea last week, for this year’s annual meeting of Film Cities. She shares her experience in this guest blog.

The UNESCO Creative Cities Network can often feel Euro-centric, so how refreshing and awe-inspiring to spend time in the epicentre of South Korea’s powerhouse film industry at a time when K-Pop, K-Drama, animation and tech are dominating global content.

Witnessing the scale of local investment and industry support in Busan is jaw-dropping. But what really makes these visits valuable is the exchange – the ideas, conversations and connections that help us build stronger links between Bristol and other international centres for film and TV. It’s a chance to see how culture drives sustainable urban development, and how cities use creativity to foster inclusion, innovation and pride of place.

Some highlights:

• We heard from UNESCO Creative Cities across South Korea, keen to collaborate globally. Cities like Gwangju City of Media Arts, inviting international creatives to produce content for their 51m interactive façade, G. Map.
• Cities of Film explored international exchange and residency opportunities to expand talent development platforms for creatives across the globe.
• We visited the Korean Academy of Film Arts – training ground for Bong Joon Ho – Korean Film Council (KOFIC) and their live data wall logging every cinema ticket sold nationwide, Busan Cinema Centre with its epic outdoor theatre and world’s largest illuminated roof, Busan Cinema Studios, Post Lab, Neighbourhood Cinema, and iconic filming locations.
• I presented our flagship skills programme, All Set West, to fellow Cities of Film, discussed new opportunities to collaborate, and took inspiration from some of the innovative programmes Cities of Film are developing.

A few reflections:

• Cities of Film come in all shapes and sizes but we’re all navigating a competitive, fast-changing production landscape. Busan has world-class institutions, but still faces challenges like talent drain to Seoul and the need to evolve as production investment declines.
• Busan wears its designation with pride. From plaques and posters to a wall honouring every BIFF volunteer over 30 years, the city celebrates its film culture with real respect and gratitude.
• Their strength lies in connection. Busan’s networks span national agencies, fellow S. Korean Creative Cities, and film commissions across Asia. It’s a reminder that working globally can spark fresh ideas and creative solutions.
• Being a part of this network and these gatherings brings real value to Bristol’s cultural plans and ambition. They are where ideas are tested, partnerships are formed, and new opportunities can grow. They help us expand our local focus and tap into something much bigger; a global network of cities using creativity to tackle real-world challenges.

For more about Busan UNESCO City of Film, visit www.citiesoffilm/busan.