Committed to advancing interdisciplinary innovation through artificial intelligence+ (AI+), The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) continues to promote the integration of AI into Art Tech development. Following the successful launch of the first AI film festival in Greater China last year, HKUST will host the 2nd AI Film Festival (AIFF) this Saturday and Sunday (May 16-17) at the Shaw Auditorium.
As one of the significant events celebrating HKUST's 35th anniversary, this year's Festival is themed "New Boundaries, New Life". It introduces multiple new award categories, including the Best Technical Innovation Award, the Best Human-AI Collaboration Award, the Best Realist Exploration Award, and the Best Cross-Cultural Dialogue Award. In response to emerging creative trends, two new competition sections have also been launched this year: the AI Vertical Shorts Section, which recognizes innovation in short‑form vertical video storytelling popular on social media platforms, and the AI Music Section, which highlights the potential of AI‑assisted composition in cinematic sound and narrative expression.
The Festival attracted over 1,100 submissions from established and emerging filmmakers, video creators, and students across nearly 80 countries and regions, underscoring the growing global momentum of AI‑enabled filmmaking. AIFF further strengthens its position as a prominent international platform for showcasing emerging forms of AI-driven creative expression. This year's Festival features a world-class jury panel comprising prominent figures from the global film and entertainment sectors, including Tia CARRERE, two-time Grammy Award-winning singer and actress; Paul DEBEVEC, Chief Research Officer of Netflix Eyeline Studios; and Jacob ADLER, Grand Prix Winner of the 2025 Runway AI Film Festival.
Building on the success of its inaugural edition, the 2nd AIFF will further expand its influence as a multi‑faceted public event. In addition to extended screenings of shortlisted films - including six works created by members of HKUST and HKUST(GZ) community - the Festival will present three thematic panel discussions led by scholars and industry experts. Topics include "Future · AI Film · Production Technology," "Reshaping Light and Shadow: Film Aesthetics and Authorship in the AI Era," and "Cultural Memories and Digital Heritage." Speakers will include local film director and HKUST alumnus Mr. KA Sing-Fung; local film producer Ms. TO Chi‑Long; and Mr. Feynman LI, General Manager of the AI Content Creative Department at Tencent Online Video.
Furthermore, an exhibition gallery will showcase AI film materials and selected student projects from HKUST's Division of Arts and Machine Creativity in an immersive, installation-based format. Through this enriched program design, the Festival aims to encourage dialogue among creators, researchers, students, and the wider public on the cultural and creative implications of AI technologies.
For more details of the AIFF, please visit the event website. If you are interested in joining the AIFF, please register here.
