SIFF Debuts “AI BACKLOT” Global Call for Co-Creators Now Open on Dual Tracks

The 28th Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF) will grandly open on June 12, 2026. This year, SIFF will collaborate with Hailuo AI, the world’s leading multimodal AI content creation platform under MiniMax, to establish a new section “AI BACKLOT”, which aims to be creative production experimental field with the object of AI image collaboration study, and exploring new possibilities for an industry undergoing transformation. As the core part of this section, the “Hyperimage Peaking Challenge” is now open for global applications, inviting filmmakers and AI creators to form cross-disciplinary teams and co-create.

A co-creation experiment concerning the “Future of Cinema”

“AI BACKLOT” is designed to answer the pressing question of our time: How can creators effectively work with cutting-edge technology?

The program focuses not only on the final audiovisual works, but more importantly, on what happens behind the scenes — when film creators and AI creators come together, how will their creative methodologies, collaboration workflows, and industry logic collide and reconfigure?

The core initiative, the “Hyperimage Peaking Challenge”, pioneers a collaborative model that brings together “Film Creators + AI Super Creators”. These creators will jointly complete an entire AI image creation process based on a given theme—from initial collaboration to final production.

The creative process will also embody the spirit of open source—comprehensively sharing prompts, workflows, process materials, collaboration insights and lessons learned, as well as creative journeys. This initiative thoroughly analyzes what is possible and impossible in AI film production. Every step is directed toward a single goal: to provide the film industry with a genuine and reference-worthy sample.

During on-site events, audiences are invited to join the creative production teams, observe and experience the AI creation process firsthand, and engage in in-depth discussions with the creators.

A Panoramic, Overwhelming “Field” for AI Filmmaking

“AI BACKLOT” will establish a multi-layered ecosystem for participation. Here, industry professionals can explore new possibilities in the integration of filmmaking and AI technology through activities like studio visits and open lectures. Investors will have the opportunity to connect with AI creators and OPC projects, seizing the latest investment opportunities. The public can participate in open activities such as live AI short film creation sessions and digital art exhibitions, transforming from spectators into active participants.

An “Executive Producer Panel” and an “Academic Observation Panel”, composed of renowned directors, industry experts, and scholars, will also be formed to guide and support this pioneering experiment.

We warmly invite partners from all sectors to join us in building this new section.

Email: hyperimage@siff.com

More Information