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Traditional filmmaking meets cutting-edge technologies at inaugural Future Film Fest 2026 

30 Oct 2026

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The School of Creative Arts (SCA) at HKBU has added another distinction to its name, with the successful launch of the inaugural Future Film Fest 2026. The film festival’s Opening and Awards Ceremony took place at the Grand Stair at M+ in the West Kowloon Cultural District on 27 October. Leveraging this momentous occasion, the University also conferred an Honorary Professorship upon the internationally acclaimed actress Professor Zhang Ziyi.

Shaping the future of cinema

Riding on the prestige of HKBU’s Global University Film Awards, widely recognised as the “University Oscars”, Future Film Fest 2026 is organised in celebration of the University’s 70th Anniversary and its rich heritage as the first tertiary education institution to offer film and video production courses in Hong Kong. The Festival is set to become a new beacon for cinema, bridging the gap between traditional filmmaking methods and cutting-edge technologies such as AI and virtual production, marking a strategic pivot toward the future of the medium.

Officiating guests of the Opening and Awards Ceremony include Mr Paulo Pong Kin-yee, Chairman of M+ Board and Member of the Hong Kong Film Development Council; Dr Kennedy Y H Wong, Chairman of the Council and the Court of HKBU; Professor Alex Wai, President and Vice-Chancellor of HKBU; Professor Liu Jiming, Interim Provost of HKBU; Dr Albert Chau, Vice-President (Teaching and Learning) of HKBU; Ms Christine Chow, Vice-President (Administration) and Secretary of HKBU; Professor Johnny M Poon, Associate Vice-President (Interdisciplinary Research) cum Dean of SCA of HKBU; and Dr Jiang Wei, Executive Associate Director, Academy of Film of HKBU.

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Mr Paulo Pong Kin-yee, Chairman of M+ Board and Member of Hong Kong Film Development Council (4th right); and Dr Kennedy Y H Wong, Chairman of the Council and the Court (4th left); Professor Alex Wai, President and Vice-Chancellor (3rd right); Professor Liu Jiming, Interim Provost (3rd left); Dr Albert Chau, Vice-President (Teaching and Learning) (2nd left); Ms Christine Chow, Vice-President (Administration) and Secretary (2nd right); Professor Johnny M Poon, Associate Vice-President (Interdisciplinary research) cum Dean of the School of Creative Arts (1st right); and Dr Jiang Wei, Executive Associate Director of Academy of Film of HKBU (1st left), kick off the Future Film Fest.
Dr Jiang Wei, Executive Associate Director of Academy of Film of HKBU (2nd right), congratulates the winners of the competition of Future Film Fest: (1st to 6th left) Wang Wenting (Director of Black Goat), Du Shijie (Director of Qingcheng), YoRHA & Wilson (Directors of Pyre), Suvarna Naik and Rajesh Naik (Director’s family member and Producer of About Ancestors and Certain Disappearances respectively), and (1st right) Andreea-Lorena Florea (Director of Dance of the Spirits).
HKBU representatives, Future Film Fest Competition jury members, winners of the Future Film Fest, industry professionals, and students gather at Future Film Fest Opening and Awards Ceremony.

 

Nurturing the next generation of creative talent

In his welcoming address, Dr Wong said that for seven decades, HKBU has been dedicated to nurturing minds that create wonderful cinematic journeys, bringing inspiration and impact to society and the world. “To stay at the forefront of media innovation, we are proud to introduce a brand-new award category dedicated to AI-generated short films. This addition exemplifies our commitment to empowering emerging filmmakers to leverage cutting-edge technology, such as artificial intelligence and virtual production, to create works unlike anything seen before. These technologies give wings to bold ideas that were once beyond reach.”

The Festival featured a Global Competition for filmmakers under 30 and drew over 500 entries from more than 150 leading film schools across 58 countries and regions. The event’s enthusiastic response affirmed its standing as an international platform for filmmakers and audiences across generations to explore the latest cinematic trends, engage in conversations on film and technology, and navigate the tools that are shaping the future of filmmaking. Click here for the full list of the winning entries.

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Professor Alex Wai, President and Vice-Chancellor of HKBU, confers an Honorary Professorship upon the internationally acclaimed actress Professor Zhang Ziyi.
Professor Zhang Ziyi (2nd left); Dr Kennedy Wong, Chairman of the Council and the Court of HKBU (2nd right); Professor Alex Wai, President and Vice-Chancellor of HKBU (1st left); and Professor Johnny M Poon, Associate Vice-President (Interdisciplinary research) cum Dean of School of Creative Arts of HKBU (1st right) at the ceremony.
Professor Zhang Ziyi reflects on her nearly 30-year career at the dialogue session with HKBU students.
Professor Zhang Ziyi with HKBU student representatives.

Professor Zhang Ziyi reflects on acting career

Another highlight of the evening was the conferment of an Honorary Professorship upon the globally acclaimed actress Professor Zhang Ziyi. Since her cinematic début in 1999 at the age of 20, Professor Zhang’s exemplary acting career has left an extensive footprint with her starring in numerous award-winning international cinematic productions and garnering prestigious accolades. Click here for Professor Zhang’s full citation.

At the dialogue session with HKBU students during the conferment ceremony, Professor Zhang reflected on her nearly 30-year career, sharing insights from her journey through dance training, acting and filmmaking. She emphasised that artistic achievement requires years of dedication and perseverance. She also encouraged students to believe in themselves when facing difficulties, embrace challenges and find their own stage.

Future Film Fest 2026 is a three-day event, featuring an opening and awards ceremony, a series of filmmakers’ dialogues and screenings. For further details, please visit the event’s official website.