A Global Hub for Innovation: HKUST AI Film Festival Explores New Dimensions in Storytelling
As a pioneer in interdisciplinary innovation through AI+ and Art Tech development, HKUST has once again gathered global creative forces to reimagine the future of cinematic storytelling.
Following the success of the first AI film festival in Greater China last year, HKUST proudly hosted its 2nd film festival (AIFF) from May 16 to 17.
Scaled up from its first edition, this year’s AIFF received over 1,300 submissions from nearly 80 countries and regions. These works covered a broad array of themes and styles, showcasing a vibrant creative landscape. Through screenings and panel discussions, the event attracted numerous filmmakers, scholars, and students to explore how AI is reshaping cinematic creation and its infinite possibilities.
The full list of awardees is available here.
Transcending Realities: Breaking Boundaries of Art and Technology
Reflecting on the Festival’s theme, “New Boundaries, New Life”, AIFF Advisor Prof. RAO Anyi from the Division of Arts and Machine Creativity at HKUST explained that “new boundaries” signify breaking down the walls between technology and art, East and West, and tradition and the avant-garde.
Meanwhile, “new life” points toward a new paradigm of human-machine collaboration, new cross-cultural narratives, and an integrated ecosystem across academia, research, and industry.
As multimodal generative technology matures, filmmaking production is undergoing significant change. “Film is a unified medium where visual and sound flourish together,” Prof. Rao noted. “Nowadays, inspiration stems from more diverse sources and elements. Visual and sound can stimulate each other, making the production more seamless and fluid.”
To ride the technological wave, this year’s Festival introduced new categories for vertical videos and AI music. Through awards such as the “Best Local Cultural Expression Award” and “Best Cross-Cultural Dialogue Award,” the Festival encouraged creators to experiment with novel narratives and pursue deeper cross-cultural integration.
Beyond technology, Prof. Rao places greater emphasis on how films convey emotion and experience. While the AI-generated visuals are remarkably sophisticated and lifelike, he noted that “what matters more is the internal logic and truthfulness of the story.” Coherent narrative and emotional tension are core areas for creators to explore.
Director’s Authorship in the AI Era
The AIFF featured three thematic panels examining key issues in AI filmmaking. In the panel “Reshaping Light and Shadow: Film Aesthetics and Authorship in the AI Era,” local director and HKUST alumnus Mr. KA Sing-Fung shared his profound reflections on what it means to be a film author.
By demonstrating the blind spots and misunderstandings that arise when AI generates materials, he reminded creators to remain cautious: AI outputs are often based on averages; the true soul of a film—its taste, style, and uniqueness—still hinges on the director’s curation and intent.
“AI provides an ocean of databases and possibilities, but giving direction—deciding how to utilize them, and making the decisions among them—remains the core duty of a director,” Director Ka said.
He stressed that filmmaking is not about simply entering prompts and enjoying the fruits of AI. Instead, directors must maintain sharp, clear minds at every step of the creative process and be focused on every detail.
“The core value of a creator lies in a unique perspective on the story, a distinct worldview, and the most precious one: the spark of human vitality,” he said.
Citing the recent hit Backrooms, which successfully evolved from online short videos into a feature movie, he told young creators that we are in an era with the lowest barrier to making a film. “Use existing technology to tell your story first. That is the best starting point to enter the industry,” he said.
He hopes every filmmaker can “try to be an ultimate storyteller”, using technology as a powerful pillar that deepens narrative substance.
Nurturing a New Creative Ecosystem
More than a showcase for outstanding films, AIFF serves as an engine for cultivating young talent and unlocking creative potential. From the Hackathon in March to the Competition Session in May, HKUST has transformed AIFF into a comprehensive platform bridging education, industry, filmmaking practice, and academic discussion through its diverse initiatives.
Through an immersive art exhibition, the audience could experience AI film creative assets and selected AMC student projects. Notably, HKUST students served as the main organizers of this year’s AIFF, embodying the vision of “empowering the next generation to define the future.”
As Prof. Rao proudly noted, “Our mission is to drive more creators and leaders of tomorrow. We are confident that the future ecosystem of AI films will be shaped by the younger generation.”
As a young, bold, and innovative university, HKUST remains dedicated to inspiring the next generation to explore the boundaries of expression and forge a new visual language for our time. More captivating stories await illumination on screens.
