Press Release

HKBU’s inaugural Future Film Fest draws over 500 entries as traditional filmmaking meets cutting-edge technologies

Wednesday, 28 October 2026

Presented by the School of Creative Arts (SCA) at Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), the inaugural Future Film Fest was launched yesterday (27 October) with the Opening and Awards Ceremony held at Grand Stair, M+, West Kowloon Cultural District. Leveraging this momentous occasion, the University also conferred an Honorary Professorship upon the internationally acclaimed actress Professor Zhang Ziyi.

Future Film Fest 2026 is organised in celebration of the 70th anniversary of HKBU and its rich heritage as the first tertiary education institution to offer film and video production courses in Hong Kong. Riding on the prestige of HKBU’s Global University Film Awards (GUFA), widely recognised as the “University Oscars”, Future Film Fest 2026 is dedicated to 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 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.

In his welcoming address, Dr Kennedy 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, with a total of 510 nominees put forward by 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.

Entries of the competition were screened by a 12-member Selection Committee, with the shortlisted entries adjudicated by a 4-member Final Jury, both comprising globally renowned industry professionals. At the ceremony, awards were presented to the winning entries under four award categories:

The occasion was attended by the globally acclaimed actress Professor Zhang Ziyi, during which she was conferred an Honorary Professor of the School of Creative Arts.

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, which have earned her prestigious accolades including the Silver Bear Award at the Berlin Film Festival; Best Supporting Female Award at the Independent Spirit Awards; Most Promising Actress Award from the Chicago Film Critics Association; Best Actress nominations from SAG, BAFTA, and the Golden Globes; Best Leading Actress at the 50th Golden Horse Awards; and Best Actress at the 33rd Hong Kong Film Awards, among others. In 2021, Professor Zhang took her career to new heights with her directorial debut, Poem, a 35-minute short in a four-part anthology titled “My Country, My Parents”. With critical acclaim, this work garnered Professor Zhang the Best New Director Award at the 2022 CCTV-6 Movie Channel Media Honors. Please 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 Fest’s official website (https://sca.hkbu.edu.hk/Future-Film-Fest-2026.html).