The AI Film Season opened during the 7th Hainan Island International Film Festival (HIIFF) on Dec. 7 in Sanya, Hainan province. Its aim is to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes visual aesthetics and creative ecosystems.

Organizers launch the AI Film Season during the 7th Hainan Island International Film Festival in Sanya, Hainan province, Dec. 7, 2025. [Photo courtesy of HIIFF Organizing Committee]

Over the course of a five-day intensive schedule, 18 unique events will be launched to foster an in-depth dialogue spanning technology, art and industry.

Co-hosted by the Today Art Museum AI Art Innovation Alliance (AIAIA) and Lenovo, this year's AI Film Season is themed "AI as the cutting edge, Art and Humanity as the Soul." The aim is to build an authoritative ecosystem spanning academia, technology, creation and communication. 

The film season also coincides with two other major events: the 130th anniversary of cinema, and the construction of the Hainan Free Trade Port. 

Island-wide special customs operations will start on Dec. 18 this year and the film festival seeks to leverage film, television and AI to foster openness and cooperation. It also aims to gather global filmmakers in Hainan. This will further facilitate the landing of high-quality projects in the region and support the cultural innovation and industrial integration of the free trade port.

Filmmaker Lu Chuan, president of AI Film Season final review panel, speaks at the opening ceremony in Sanya, Hainan province, Dec. 7, 2025. [Photo courtesy of HIIFF Organizing Committee]

The AI Film Season brings together a prestigious lineup, including filmmaker Lu Chuan, who serves as president of the panel, Central Academy of Fine Arts (CAFA) professor and artist Fei Jun, curator and CAFA professor Victoria Lu, filmmaker Ruby Yang, cinematographer Wang Yu, film producer Jerry Ye, as well as artistic advisor Wang Hongwei. Chief initiators Zhang Baoquan and Xie Limei were also present. In total, 12 co-initiators, alongside 33 institutions, demonstrated how AI image creation is moving from indie projects and solo artists to industrial-level developments.

The opening ceremony unveiled a range of outstanding works. Winners across multiple categories, including narrative, visual effects and experimental imagery were announced. A total of 13 creators from China, France, Colombia, the United Kingdom, alongside other countries and regions received honors. This global diversity of award recipients reveals the direction cinema is taking. 

Co-organized with Alibaba Group's Quark platform, this edition attracted 2,852 submissions from 56 countries and regions across three competition categories. After rigorous selection, 38 works and 10 resident teams were shortlisted.

Organizers present awards to winners of selected excellent AI works at the opening ceremony of the AI Film Season during the 7th Hainan Island International Film Festival in Sanya, Hainan province, Dec. 7, 2025. [Photo courtesy of HIIFF Organizing Committee]

Wang Chuandong, vice president of Lenovo Group, said that Lenovo, as a co-organizer, is promoting AI personal computers and workstations to serve as a "super engine for creators." The company will also continue to build its ecosystem through an AI pioneer creator program, leveraging technology and platforms to help realize creative works beyond imagination.

A roundtable featuring final review panel members was also held. Lu Chuan explained, "AI has brought me back to the fearless, free creative state of my youth, helping artists confront their souls and make the films they truly want to make." Jerry Ye emphasized this, saying, "AI will reshape the entire industry, assisting creators in depicting the 'magnified human spirit' with greater depth and breadth."

Ruby Yang held the opinion that AI delivers a form of creative "liberation." It lets storytelling return to its essence and encourages young people to embrace the future. She explicitly noted that combining genuine personal experiences with AI often sparks a unique power of expression.

Zhang Baoquan, chairman of the Today Art Museum, said "AI has brought artistic equality to young people, freeing their film dreams from the constraints of funding." In light of this, Fei Jun cautioned that AI should not lead to "sensory energy loss" or the erosion of humanity's emotional and perceptual vitality. He added that creation must return to the intrinsic value of art, allowing creators to become distinctive self-expressors.

Industry leaders and experts join a roundtable discussion at the opening ceremony of the AI Film Season during the 7th Hainan Island International Film Festival in Sanya, Hainan province, Dec. 7, 2025. [Photo courtesy of HIIFF Organizing Committee]

The AI Film Season will also feature events including an AI Filmmaking Masterclass, an AI Electronic Music Party, an AI & Art Salon Series, a 72-Hour AI Filmmaking Hackathon, a Future Visuals Exhibition, an AI Film International Co-Screening, and a closing ceremony. The residency creations and final winners' list from the hackathon will be announced at the closing ceremony on Dec. 11. This will also include a dialogue session on the global AI image ecosystem.