The 30th ifva Festival Symposium
Beyond the exciting finalist screenings, Hong Kong Arts Centre presents two symposiums that explore the future of independent cinema from different perspectives.
Focusing on The Future Ecosystem of Artificial Intelligence and Independent Film and The Future Direction of Short Films and Independent Filmmakers, the symposiums will feature professionals from the fields of film, academia and culture discussing the opportunities and challenges shaping independent cinema today.
Join us for the conversation! Let us imagine the future of independent cinema!
Venue: Louis Koo Cinema (UB/F, Hong Kong Arts Centre, 2 Harbour Road, Wan Chai)
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19/10 (Mon) 3:30pm |
Symposium 1: The Future Ecosystem of Artificial Intelligence and Independent Film |
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22/10 (Thu) 7:30pm |
Symposium 2: The Future Direction of Short Films and Independent Filmmakers |
AI technology is reshaping the entry barriers and workflows of independent filmmaking. Amid this trend, independent filmmakers are facing various transformations and possibilities. This symposium will focus on how AI affects the creative process and working methods of independent film, and how it is changing production turnaround. At the same time, we will discuss the irreplaceable importance of “artificiality” within AI creative workflows.
From the perspectives of creative practice, theory, and pedagogy, this discussion will examine how AI is at once a tool and a challenge, redefining independent filmmaking and its ecosystem.
Date: 2026-10-19 (Mon)
Time: 3:30pm
Language: Cantonese and English
Moderator: Timmy Chen (Assistant Professor in Cultural Studies, Hong Kong Metropolitan University)
Speakers: Ruby Yang (Director, Academy of Future Media, The University of Hong Kong), Emilie Choi (Researcher; Film Programmer), Frankie Tam (Scriptwriter; Director)
Supporter:
![SOFM_logo_Horizontal_RGB[76]](https://hkac.org.hk/cccms/lib/uploads/media-lib/Xmm3f6dmi_I/30%20ifva/SOFM_logo_Horizontal_RGB%5B76%5D.png?1790568326179){kind=logo}
For more details, please click here.
By the growing market of short films, emerging distribution channels, and the rising status of short films at international film festivals, short films are no longer merely a steppingstone to feature production. They occupy a more complex and significant place in contemporary film culture.
This discussion will explore the status of short films as a unique creative and professional medium, its impact on independent filmmakers in marketing and fundraising, and its future development.
Date: 2026-10-22 (Thu )
Time: 7:30pm
Language: Cantonese and English
Moderator: Charlie Fung (Film Producer; Lecturer)
Speakers: Terry Lam (Dean, School of Film and Television, The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts), Sébastien Simon (Filmmaker; Programmer, Busan International Short Film Festival), Oliver Chan Siu Kuen (Film Director; Scriptwriter)
For more details, please click here.
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More details about "The 30th ifva Festival"
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About ifva:
Organised by Hong Kong Arts Centre, ifva is an incubator for film and visual media in Asia. Founded in 1995, ifva serves as a platform that actively promotes and encourages creative talents in Asia, making short films, videos, animation and media arts. With a cutting-edge vision and authentic spirit, ifva has evolved to promote different visual cultures while exploring the boundless potential of creative media.
