Korea’s Finecut Picks Up 'Guardians Of The Video Game' Ahead Of TIFF

September 1, 2026 - 13:37

South Korean sales company Finecut has acquired international rights to Uhm Young-sik's 3D animated feature "Guardians of the Video Game" just before its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. The film is adapted from a popular Naver webtoon centered on retro gaming culture, a property that has amassed over 345 million views since its digital debut.

The project marks a notable crossover between web-based comics and theatrical animation, a space that has seen growing traction in the Korean market. Finecut, known for handling genre films and festival titles, will introduce the movie to buyers in Toronto, positioning it as a family-friendly yet nostalgia-driven offering for both domestic and international audiences.

The story follows a group of unlikely heroes who get pulled into the world of classic video games, where they must navigate pixelated landscapes and face familiar foes from gaming history. The animation leans into a vibrant, stylized look that mirrors the webtoon's original art while adding depth and movement suited for the big screen. Uhm Young-sik, who previously worked on a range of commercial and independent animation projects, directs from a script that balances humor with heartfelt moments about friendship and the love of old-school games.

Finecut's pickup signals continued interest in adapting high-viewership digital content into premium animated features, a trend that has gained momentum across Asia. The Toronto screening will serve as a launchpad for sales negotiations, with the company expected to target multiple territories including Europe, North America, and Southeast Asia. Industry observers will be watching to see if the film can replicate the webtoon's massive online following in a different medium.