Sci-Fi Film Week | “Tech-Powered Creation” Section Officially Launched

On June 18, the opening ceremony of the “Tech-Powered Creation” section of the 27th Shanghai International Film Festival’s Sci-Fi Film Week, along with the Shanghai High-tech Films and Televisions City press conference, was held in Songjiang District.

Pan Min, Deputy Director of the Publicity Department of the Shanghai Municipal Committee of CPC and Director of Shanghai Film Bureau; Wang Huajie, Secretary of the Songjiang District Committee of CPC; and Song Zhiqin, Executive Deputy Director of the Film Art Center of the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles, attended the event and delivered speeches. Over 200 representatives from government offices, subdistricts and towns in Songjiang, as well as leaders from the film, technology, education, and cultural tourism sectors, gathered to witness this historic moment where technology and cinema converge. The event marked a significant new step in Shanghai High-tech Films and Televisions City’s efforts to promote the deep integration of “film + technology” and to build an internationally leading hub for cinematic innovation.

The year 2025 marks both the 130th anniversary of world cinema and the 120th anniversary of Chinese cinema. In this commemorative year, the “Tech-Powered Creation” section debuted as a flagship event of Sci-Fi Film Week. The program highlights how new productive forces - such as AI technology, digital imaging, and virtual production - are accelerating their integration into the film industry. It also showcases Songjiang’s latest achievements in building a national hub for advanced manufacturing and a pioneer zone for new quality productive forces, with a focus on key areas such as content creation, industry platforms, integration of education and production, and judicial collaboration.

SIFF ING, initiated by SIFF, was officially launched at the event. As a new starting point of the festival’s “6+1” progressive talent nurturing scheme, the project features two categories: AIGC and Vertical Short Video. This year, it received over 3,600 submissions from around the world, providing a dual platform for creative expression and industry incubation for young filmmakers.

Tong Ying, Deputy Director of Shanghai International Film & TV Festivals, Co., Ltd.; Wang Hongwei, Secretary-General of the China Film Directors Guild and Chair of this year’s SIFFING Final Selection Jury; jury member and renowned producer Yu Xiaofeng; and four shortlisted young creators jointly launched the project.

The “Shanghai High-tech Films and Televisions City AI Creation Ecology Center” jointly developed by Songjiang District and Shanghai Film Group, unveiled innovative achievements at the event, including a lightweight virtual production solution. Meanwhile, Shanghai Film Technology Plant, in collaboration with several partners, signed multiple projects such as the AI-powered 100 Premium Short Drama Initiative, the co-construction of a Film & TV AI Lab, and the Omniverse Digital Asset Platform. During the major project release session of the Shanghai High-tech Films and Televisions City, three key projects were spotlighted: the “Shanghai National Sci-Fi Industry Park”, the “Huace Yangtze River Delta Overseas Short Drama Production Center”, and the “Qiming Film & TV Tech Innovation Base”.

In addition, the “Shanghai Data Intellectual Property (Shanghai High-tech Films and Televisions City Digital Business) Platform” and the “Shooting Assistant” applet were officially launched at the event. These two digital tools focus respectively on the protection of intellectual property in film and television, and on providing one-stop services for production teams, offering digital solutions to optimize the business environment of Shanghai High-tech Films and Televisions City. The event also hosted three signing ceremonies. Courts from six regions signed the “Framework Agreement on Cross-Regional Judicial Cooperation to Jointly Safeguard the High-Quality Development of the Film and Television Industry”. Representatives from seven universities and enterprises signed the “Shanghai Regional Industry-Education Consortium Agreement”, and six universities and companies signed the “Shanghai High-tech Films and Televisions City Industry-Education Integration Cooperation Agreement”. These three strategic agreements aim to further enhance the ecological chain of the Shanghai High-tech Films and Televisions City and promote its high-quality development.

Wang Hongwei and Hollywood visual effects industry representative John Hughes - founder of top-tier VFX companies Rhythm & Hues Studios and Tau Films - were appointed as Experience Officers of Shanghai High-tech Films and Televisions City at the event. They will serve as bridges in international promotion, project promotion, and ecosystem synergy, helping Songjiang District’s film and television industry reach a global stage.

After the main event, attendees visited the AI Creation Ecology Center and Shanghai Film Group Nextgen Studios for on-site tours. They experienced immersive demonstrations of cutting-edge technologies, including Dolby mixing studios, digital post-production facilities, underwater filming systems, and virtual production equipment - gaining firsthand insight into the innovations and appeal of film technology, and a clear view of the latest advancements in audiovisual production.

During this year’s film festival, Songjiang District is also launching two major themed activities: “Film Culture and Tourism Eco Experience” and “Film Production Eco Experience”. From June 13 to June 27, during the “Film Culture and Tourism Eco Experience”, guests registered with the festival and holding film screening ticket stubs can enjoy various linked discounts - for example, one-stop deals in the Songjiang Incity commercial district and discounted admission to attractions such as Shanghai Film Park and Fangta Park. From June 21 to June 25, during the “Film Production Eco Experience”, film industry guests will be offered hands-on experiences with technological film production scenes, including Shanghai Film Park, Shanghai Film Group Nextgen Studios, and the Starhope Film & TV Sci-Tech Innovation Base, s howcasing the technological backbone of film creation.

During the film festival, public screenings will also be held at the Songjiang Poly Yunjian Theater, as well as at various community screening sites across local towns and neighborhoods. A total of 68 screenings of outstanding films will be presented for public enjoyment.

The launch of the “Tech-Powered Creation” not only injects cutting-edge technological momentum into Chinese cinema but also offers a “Shanghai solution” for the structural upgrade of the film and television industry. With the continued development of Shanghai High-tech Films and Televisions City, Songjiang District is rapidly becoming a key driving force in leading the global transformation of the film industry.