AI Film Season opens with global focus at HIIFF ahead of customs move

As China's final major film festival of the year, the Hainan Island International Film Festival, is currently in full swing in Sanya City. Among its various highlights, the ongoing AI Film Season has emerged as a focal point, sparking intense discussion on how artificial intelligence is reshaping visual aesthetics in the film industry.

Opening on December 7, the AI Film Season holds significant timing as it coincides with two major milestones: the 130th anniversary of cinema and the establishment of the Hainan Free Trade Port. In the crucial year of 2025, when island-wide special customs operations are set to start on December 18, the film festival aims to leverage the power of film, television, and AI to foster openness and cooperation on a global scale.

This edition of the AI Film Season drew a total of 2,582 entries from 56 countries and regions across the globe. At the opening ceremony, the winners were announced across various categories – including narrative, visual effects, and experimental imagery – and 13 creators from countries including China, France, Colombia, and the UK, were included in the winning list.

At the opening ceremony, Lu Chuan, renowned Chinese film director and chair of the AI Film Season's jury, said in a speech: "AI has brought me back to the fearless and free creative state of my youth. It helps artists face their souls and complete the films they truly want to make."

Along with film industry professionals, 12 co-founding members from diverse fields and some 33 institutions joined hands to promote the initiative. Their collective effort marks the transition of AI image creation from one of individual exploration to coordinated industry collaboration.

As filmmakers continue to explore how emerging technologies like AI are reshaping filmmaking and the broader industry, the AI Film Season also offers unique entertainment experiences. Two AI Electronic music parties with the theme of "A Century of Encounters" are open to filmmakers attending the 7th Hainan Island International Film Festival.

By using AI technology to reshape classic film soundtracks, these parties aim to create immersive audio-visual experiences, exploring innovative paths for the fusion of technology and popular culture.