Discover HKBU
Spotlight on HKBU’s immersive and AI art tech projects at FILMART
31 Mar 2025
HKBU, along with its art tech startups, made waves at the Hong Kong International Film and TV Market (FILMART) 2025, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. From 17 to 20 March, visitors to the HKBU pavilion had a chance to immerse themselves in a world where artificial intelligence (AI) met artistry, while exploring new collaborations and innovations in the creative industry.
One standout project is the “AI Motion Acting Agent”. This advanced system employs AI to generate adaptive and expressive motion in real time, facilitating interactive animation and virtual production. Imagine an interactive storytelling experience where characters move and react dynamically, enhancing the viewer's connection to the narrative. This technology redefines how stories are told, offering filmmakers unprecedented tools for creativity.
Another highlight is “DigitalGuardian”, an AI technology designed to safeguard the intellectual property of digital creators. By embedding imperceptible markers into digital assets, it ensures precise and resilient ownership rights, deterring unauthorised use while preserving content integrity across different platforms.
Creating new universes with Virtual Reality
Two captivating virtual reality projects under the theme “Creating New Universes with Virtual Reality” left film enthusiasts in awe. Inspired by the works of Polish writer Stanisław Lem, Memoirs Found in a Bathtub, and the rich cultural tapestries of Hong Kong and the UK, these projects invited audiences to step into entirely new worlds. Other projects included the AI music video “Book of Love,” commissioned by local group Fan Hung A.
Stepping inside art and cinema via augmented reality
For immersive experiences, “VotR.AR”, an augmented reality interactive installation enabled visitors to physically explore Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece, “Virgin of the Rocks.” Using optically tracked handheld tablets, visitors navigated a 3D model of the painting’s intricate cavern. This technology doesn’t just stop at art; it can recreate iconic movie sets, allowing viewers to step directly into beloved cinematic moments and explore them as if they were there.
Professor Terence Lau, Interim Chief Innovation Officer at HKBU, emphasised the University’s commitment to blending arts, culture, and science. “By leveraging its established strengths, the University is at the forefront of art tech development. These innovations drive the sustainable development of the film industry and the creative sector at large. We look forward to seeing how these new elements unleash creativity and ideas, apply to music, museum exhibitions, game development and other domains, bring new levels and dimensions of enjoyment and experiences to the public, and promote cultural diversity, prosperity and heritage,” said Professor Lau.
Meanwhile, Professor Johnny M Poon, Associate Vice-President (Interdisciplinary Research) at HKBU, highlighted the importance of collaboration with the industry. “We promote transdisciplinary research and work closely with the industry to translate research outcomes into applications, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in film production. Our newly established Jockey Club Campus of Creativity is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for music, film, television and other creative disciplines. It will serve as our latest creative education hub, nurturing more talents with innovative thinking and professional skills to drive the development of the creative industry.”
Last but not least, according to Professor Shin Dong Kim, Director of the Academy of Film at HKBU, the Academy has made groundbreaking transformations in both their curriculum and teaching facilities to nurture the next generation of film talent. "We have not only integrated cutting-edge technologies such as virtual production, motion capture, and artificial intelligence into our programmes, but also introduced state-of-the-art virtual production studios and a dedicated laboratory for future cinematic education. Our future graduates will harness advanced skills and knowledge, enabling them to excel in the ever-evolving cinematic landscape and spearhead the industry evolution."