In a recent episode of i-CABLE News’ program “InnoAction” (智創未來) on HOY Infotainment channel, HKUST’s AI Film Festival took center stage, showcasing the innovative fusion of art and technology. Prof. RAO Anyi, Assistant Professor of the Division of Arts and Machine Creativity (AMC) and Division of Emerging Interdisciplinary Areas (EMIA), Dr. XU Xian, former Research Assistant Professor of AMC and EMIA, along with Individualized Interdisciplinary Program (IIP) PhD candidates TANG Yuying and WEI Zheng shared their insights  on how Generative AI is revolutionizing filmmaking.

Dr. Xu, who integrated AI into teaching over the past two years, explained how AI enables students to merge creativity with digital media, producing from short films to interactive art installations. “AI is a tool that helps creators work faster and more effectively, allowing even individuals to complete micro-films,” she said, noting that AI-generated imagery has quickly advanced from static, blurry visuals to dynamic sequences that capture human emotions with greater clarity.

Prof. Rao emphasized the need of developing human-centered AI tools that empower creators and lower barriers to production. “AI is here to support artists and storytellers in sharing their narratives,” he remarked. He predicted that while traditional film companies currently use AI in only 10–20% of the workflows, the proportion could rise to 60–70% within the next one to two years, with many such works entering cinemas.

IIP students reflected on their own creative processes, with Yuying discussing her reimagined film that from four years ago, which she adapted using AI tools to shift from a single-character focus to a broader exploration on women’s collective identity due to current technical constraints while Zheng highlighted that although AI can produce visually striking results, the nuances of love, empathy, and human connection remain irreplaceable.

The AI Film Festival, the first of its kind in Greater China held earlier this year, attracted over 700 submissions from 80+ countries and regions, marking a significant milestone   in the intersection of art and technology.

 
Watch the program here (12m19s – 20m58s): 智創未來｜AI電影與影片生成 - 有線寬頻 i-CABLE