Shanghai Film Festival Launches AI Filmmaking Lab to Test Real Production Workflows

The Shanghai International Film Festival is pushing beyond panel discussions about artificial intelligence with a new section that puts AI-assisted filmmaking to the test.

Four creative teams began a one-month production sprint on May 12 under "AI Backlot," a new SIFF program that pairs filmmakers with AI creators to produce short films – while documenting every step of the process.

"Film festivals should no longer remain at the level of discussion and opinion," said Tong Ying, deputy director of the Shanghai International Film and Television Festival Center. "We are not only focused on the final production, but also on what actually happens during the making of an AI-generated work."

Launched in March, the project's 43-day open call attracted nearly 500 applications from filmmakers and AI creators across seven countries and regions. A total of 22 participants were selected to advance to the final stage.

On May 12, four integrated creative teams were formed and began a one-month creative production period.

A supervisory panel led by director Huang Jianxin will advise on visual expression, technical standards and industry practice. Workflows, creative decisions, budget plans and even discarded materials will be archived as case studies.

The results go public during the 28th SIFF, which runs June 12–21. On June 14 and 15, the teams and panelists will host workshops at the Shanghai Film Art Center covering 10 to 15 topics identified as top industry concerns.

A separate showcase will give independent AI tool developers space to demo their work to guests and investors.