HKUST AI Film Festival

About

The Division of Arts and Machine Creativity at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology is thrilled to announce the 2nd HKUST AI Film Festival, themed “New Boundaries, New Life 「虛實破界，共創新機」”. Building on last year’s momentum—714 submissions from 85 countries—the 2026 edition explores the convergence of the virtual and the real in both technology and aesthetics, expands the expressive frontiers of cinema, and renews Hong Kong’s visual heritage through AI. More than a traditional screening-and-talk format, this year’s program advances industry “boundary-breaking” and human–AI co-creation, convening filmmakers, researchers, and partners for showcases, dialogues, and hands-on labs. As a highlight of HKUST’s 35th-anniversary celebrations, the festival will be held in mid-May 2026 at HKUST, with an international open call for works. We invite artists, technologists, scholars, and audiences worldwide to join the conversation and help shape the future of cinematic creation.

Festival Trailer

Directions

The AI Film Festival will take place at Shaw Auditorium, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong.

Registration counter: Shaw Auditorium G02.

Free shuttle bus from Kowloon Tong to HKUST departing from To Fuk Road, Kowloon Tong (MTR Exit D, near Yew Chung International School):

16th May: 09:30, 12:45
17th May: 09:00, 13:15

Program

The 2026 festival will bring together keynote sessions, screenings, award presentations, panels, and industry exchanges.

Day 1 - 16th May

Morning

10:00-10:30Registration
10:30-11:00Opening Speech
11:00-11:20Keynote
11:20-11:50Opening Screening
12:00-13:30Luncheon (invitation only)

Afternoon

13:30-16:00 Panel 1: Future · AI Film · Production Technology Themed AI Movies Screening; Panel Sharing; Panel Discussion Panel Chair: Dr. Anyi Rao (HKUST) Panelists: Mr. Feynman LI (Tencent Online Video); Ms. Eddy CHEN (Z.AI)
16:15-17:00Award Ceremony
17:00-17:45Spotlight Session
18:00-21:00Reception

Day 2 - 17th May

Morning

09:30-10:00Registration
10:00-12:30 Panel 2: Reshaping Light and Shadow: Film Aesthetics and Authorship in the AI Era Themed AI Movies Screening; Panel Sharing; Panel Discussion Panel Chair: Prof. Chul HEO (BNBU) Panelists: Prof. Tao TAO (Central Academy of Drama); Prof. Ruo SI (Tsinghua University); Ms. Ruby YANG (HKU); Mr. KA Sing Fung (Film Director); Mrs. TO Chi-Long (Film Producer)
12:30-14:00Luncheon (invitation only)

Afternoon

14:00-17:00 Panel 3: Cultural Memories and Digital Heritage Themed AI Movies Screening; Panel Sharing; Panel Discussion Panel Chair: Dr. Vennes CHENG (HKUST) Panelists: Mr. Anthony BADGER (Silver Salt Restoration); Mr. HO Rui An (Artist); Ms. Chanel KONG (M+ Moving Image Curator)
17:15-18:45Screening Session
18:45-19:00Closing Speech