HKBU took part in the Hong Kong International Film and TV Market (FILMART) organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council on 11-14 March 2024, showcasing a variety of cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) and art technology projects. In addition, a highlight event “15 Years of Cinematic Legacy: HKBU Academy of Film” was organised to mark the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the Academy of Film (AF) at HKBU.

The Hon. Chan Kwok Ki, GBS, IDSM, JP, Chief Secretary for Administration of the HKSAR; Dr. the Hon. Peter Lam, GBM, GBS, Chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and donor of the University; and Mr. Shi Zhi Yan, Second-grade Counsel of the Hong Kong, Macao & Taiwan Affairs Office of the National Radio and Television Administration, visited HKBU’s pavilion during the event’s kickoff. They were warmly received by Professor Alex Wai, JP, President and Vice-Chancellor; Professor Martin Wong, Provost; Professor Terence Lau, Interim Chief Innovation Officer; Professor Johnny M. Poon, Associate Vice-President (Interdisciplinary Research), and other HKBU representatives, who introduced various art tech research projects at the University and five art tech startups established based on relevant research outputs. The guests were also briefed on how HKBU’s collaboration with the industry translates art tech into applications and injects innovative elements into future film and TV production and creative media.

On the same occasion, Alibaba’s Digital Media and Entertainment Group unveiled the “Hong Kong Cultural and Art Industry Revitalisation Program”, a collaborative initiative between the Group and the film and television industry in Hong Kong. The Group has pledged to inject no less than HK$5 billion into the film and television industry in the coming 5 years to promote its development. Under the program, the Group will team up with Hong Kong Baptist University to provide scholarships with an aim to nurture young filmmakers.

In celebration of the 15th anniversary of the establishment of AF, two panel discussions involving industry representatives were organised to explore the profound impact of art technology on the future development of cinematic art. Distinguished speakers included Mr. Gordon Cheng, CEO of the Cameron Pace Group China; Dr. Johnnie To Kei Fung, acclaimed filmmaker and Honorary Consultant of AF; Mr. Andrew Fung Chih Chiang; Mr. Steve Chan Chi Fat; and Mr. Chan Tai Lee, HKBU alumni, film directors, and screenwriters; and Professor Jeffrey Shaw, Chair Professor of the Academy of Visual Arts at HKBU.

Back in the 1970s, HKBU was the first university in Hong Kong to offer courses in film and video production. It later established the Department of Cinema and Television in 1991, which was further upgraded to the Academy of Film in 2009 with donation support from various organisations.

HKBU hosts the highlight event “15 Years of Cinematic Legacy: HKBU Academy of Film” in celebration of the 15th anniversary of the establishment of AF