Artificial intelligence is profoundly changing the way film and television content is produced, becoming an area of increasing interest for professional filmmakers. On May 13, the 28th Shanghai International Film Festival launched its new unit “AI Film Studio” in Shanghai.
The 28th Shanghai International Film Festival, scheduled to take place from June 12 to 21, is the only international A-category film festival in China.
This year’s festival introduces the “AI Film Studio” unit for the first time, creating an open experimental space for AI-driven film collaboration. It invites filmmakers and AI super creators to form teams in a “1+1” format. Over the course of one month, they will use AI tools to refine their creative workflows, produce AI-generated short films, and turn the process into observable and discussable creative samples.
During the 43-day public call for submissions, “AI Film Studio” received applications from nearly 500 filmmakers and AI super creators from seven countries and regions. Following preliminary selection, team formation, and final pitch presentations, four integrated creative teams composed of filmmakers and AI super creators were formed and appeared at the Shanghai Lingang Science and Technology Smart Library.
The “AI Film Studio” innovatively adopts a “1+1” integration mechanism, aiming to bring both types of creators into the same creative space—one side contributing visual language and experiential judgment, the other bringing technical tools and new production logic, bridging cognitive gaps and sparking new ideas through collaboration.
A German AI director and member of the integrated creative team “Bicycle Kids” said that two years ago AI film festivals began to emerge. He has attended related exhibitions in South Korea, Italy, and Switzerland. This year, he wanted to see if traditional film festivals could embrace AI creation. “Traditional filmmaking and AI creation being showcased on the same platform might lead to new integration and discoveries,” he said.
It is reported that over the next month, these four integrated creative teams will complete AI short films under the guidance of supervising and academic observation teams, with “genuine emotion” as the creative requirement. They will document their creative processes and conduct periodic observations. During the festival, “AI Film Studio” will be open to the public across the entire Shanghai Film Art Center.
Shanghai International Film Festival
The Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF) is one of the most prominent and rapidly growing film festivals in Asia, first held in 1993. It was established to showcase Chinese and international cinema, promote cultural exchange, and has since become a key platform for filmmakers, recognized by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF). Today, it features competitive sections for both feature films and Asian cinema, attracting global attention each June.
Shanghai Lingang Science and Technology Smart Library
The Shanghai Lingang Science and Technology Smart Library is a modern cultural and educational hub located in the Lingang area of Shanghai, designed to integrate advanced technology with traditional library services. Opened in recent years, it features AI-powered systems, smart shelving, and digital resources to facilitate research and learning, particularly in science and technology fields. The library reflects Shanghai’s broader ambition to transform Lingang into a global innovation center, supporting the region’s development as a high-tech industrial zone.
Shanghai Film Art Center
The Shanghai Film Art Center, located in the Xuhui District of Shanghai, is a historic cinema and cultural landmark originally built in 1941 as the “Cathay Theatre.” It was designed in the Art Deco style and has since been a key venue for film screenings, festivals, and cultural events, including hosting the prestigious Shanghai International Film Festival. Renovated several times, it remains a symbol of Shanghai’s rich cinematic heritage and architectural elegance.
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Shanghai International Film Festival
The Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF) is one of Asia’s most prestigious and influential film events, first held in 1993. Recognized by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF), it serves as a major platform for showcasing global cinema, with a particular focus on fostering Chinese and Asian film talent. The festival has grown significantly over the decades, contributing to Shanghai’s cultural vibrancy and the international film industry’s engagement with China.
Shanghai Lingang Science and Technology Smart Library
The Shanghai Lingang Science and Technology Smart Library is a modern, high-tech library located in the Lingang area of Shanghai, designed to integrate advanced digital services and smart technology into the traditional library experience. Opened in recent years, it serves as a hub for scientific research and innovation, featuring automated systems, AI-assisted book recommendations, and extensive digital resources. The library reflects Shanghai’s commitment to becoming a global center for science and technology, supporting the local community and the nearby Lingang Special Area’s development.
Shanghai Film Art Center
The Shanghai Film Art Center, originally built in the 1950s as the Shanghai Film Studio’s screening venue, has been a landmark for cinema culture in the city. It underwent major renovations in the early 2000s to modernize its facilities while preserving its classic architectural style. Today, it serves as a key site for film festivals, premieres, and art-house screenings, reflecting Shanghai’s rich cinematic heritage.
