The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has successfully concluded its 2nd AI Film Festival (AIFF) at the Shaw Auditorium, marking a key highlight of the University’s 35th anniversary. The two-day event attracted strong engagement from industry leaders, filmmakers, scholars, students, and the public, underscoring growing global interest in AI-driven cinematic innovation.
This year’s Festival achieved record participation, receiving over 1,300 film submissions from nearly 80 countries and regions—almost double the previous year—demonstrating its expanding international reach and influence. Following rigorous evaluation by an international jury, multiple awards were presented across major categories, recognizing excellence in AI-powered storytelling and production.
Top honours included the Best Film Award for The Afterlife of Aphrodite by Gabriela Cardona WALTHER (Mexico) and the Best Debut AI Film Award for NeoNature by Javier Gracia ALCAINE (Spain). Local talent also stood out, with KA TAM winning the Best Technical Innovation Award for Project J, and HKUST student OUYANG Mengke receiving the Best Human–AI Collaboration Award for Ash Boat.
Beyond screenings, the Festival featured three thematic panels, an immersive exhibition gallery, and industry collaborations with leading AI enterprises such as Tencent and MiniMax, strengthening the link between academia and professional practice. Educational outreach was also a key success, with workshops and a 36-hour AI film hackathon for secondary students, culminating in a winning film premiered at the opening.
Overall, AIFF 2025 reinforced HKUST’s leadership in art-tech innovation, successfully creating a dynamic platform that integrates education, industry, and creative exploration, while nurturing future talent in AI filmmaking.
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