By Lu Xinyan

Filmmakers, digital creators, industry executives and academics from around the world gathered at the University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC) on June 12 for the launch of the 2026 Ningbo Youth AI Film Festival and the 11th Ningbo Outstanding Film and Television Works Awards.

The event, themed "AI-Driven Cinema, Ningbo-Created Future," focused on the growing role of artificial intelligence in filmmaking and creative production, bringing together participants to discuss how emerging technologies are reshaping the film industry.

"As filmmakers and creators, we should be using AI to serve our purposes, rather than letting it dictate the process," was a recurring message throughout the event.

Filippo Gilardi, Associate Professor and Head of International Communication at UNNC, said the launch of the first AI film festival would bring creators from around the world together to explore how AI tools can be used to reimagine and project Ningbo's cultural identity onto a global stage in a more futuristic and visually expressive way.

Rather than following a traditional conference format, the launch event featured an interactive roundtable discussion that brought together scholars, industry professionals and content creators for open dialogue on AI and filmmaking.

As part of the program, organizers screened A Dollar Story, a short film directed by Chinese filmmaker Qiu Sheng using AI technology. The film recently won Best AI Action Short at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival and previously received the Best Innovative Exploration Award in the China division of the World AI Film Festival.

A Dollar Story follows the journey of a single dollar bill across different eras of cinema, moving through black-and-white silent films, widescreen color epics, VHS-era productions and digital worlds. The film explores themes of wealth, desire and human ambition through changing cinematic styles.

Alongside discussions of technological innovation, organizers also emphasized the importance of originality and intellectual property protection. "We strongly support original creative work," a representative of the Ningbo Micro-Movie Association said while presenting the festival's Copyright and Originality Initiative. "AI should be a tool that enhances creative expression, not a substitute for creators."

According to organizers, the competition will feature four categories: Impressions of Ningbo (AI short dramas and short films), Chinese-style Animation (AI animation and intangible cultural heritage), Soundwaves of the Future (AI music videos), and Youth Horizon (open category for other works).

The categories are designed to accommodate a wide range of creators, from filmmakers documenting local culture and animators exploring traditional heritage to musicians experimenting with AI-assisted production.

Organizers said the festival will run for more than four months and is expected to attract participants from over 30 countries and regions. Winners are scheduled to be announced in mid-October.