Welcome to the AI Backlot - an immersive, interactive creative hub at the 28th Shanghai International Film Festival. Four teams of filmmakers and AI creators take on a live impromptu challenge: making a one-minute short film in just hours using only AI-generated content. Can AI truly tell a story? We spoke to creators, the tech team behind Minimax, and a university scholar. The verdict: AI can support and empower, but it cannot replace human aesthetic judgment, narrative ability, or unique creativity. As for the big screen? That breakthrough may still be just ahead.