News
HKBU showcases cutting-edge immersive and AI art tech projects at FILMART
19 Mar, 2025
Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), along with its art tech startups, is showcasing its innovative art tech projects powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and the University’s leading future cinematic education at the Hong Kong International Film and TV Market (FILMART) 2025, to foster collaborations with and drive innovations in the creative industry.
Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, FILMART 2025 is being held from 17 to 20 March. At the HKBU pavilion, visitors can explore the “AI Motion Acting Agent”, an AI-driven system for adaptive and expressive motion generation. This system’s real-time visualisation engine and generative model facilitate interactive animation, virtual production, and immersive storytelling.
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 platforms.
Visitors can also engage with two virtual reality projects at “Creating New Universes with Virtual Reality”. They are inspired by the Polish writer Stanisław Lem’s novel Memoirs Found in a Bathtub and the folklore and food culture of Hong Kong and the UK, respectively. Other project includes the AI music video “Book of Love” commissioned by a local music group Fan Hung A.
For immersive experiences, visitor can engage with “VotR.AR”, an augmented reality interactive installation that invites them into Leonardo da Vinci’s famous painting, “Virgin of the Rocks.” Using optically tracked handheld tablets, audiences can physically explore a virtual 3D model of the painting’s lifelike cavern. The technology behind “VotR.AR” can also recreate iconic sets and scenes from movies. By leveraging its digital augmented reality and 3D modelling, viewers can step into beloved cinematic moments and explore them as if they were physically there. The Pavilion also features the University’s “Future Cinema Systems: Next-Generation Art Technologies” (FCS), a cutting-edge platform that provides an immersive cinematic experience along with showcasing its applications.
Professor Terence Lau, Interim Chief Innovation Officer of HKBU, said: “By leveraging its established strengths in arts, culture, and science, 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.”
Professor Johnny M Poon, Associate Vice-President (Interdisciplinary Research) of HKBU, said: “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.”
Professor Shin Dong Kim, Director of the Academy of Film at HKBU, said: “To nurture the next generation of film talent, the Academy has made groundbreaking transformations in both our curriculum and teaching facilities. 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. ”
The HKBU pavilion also showcases eight art tech startups that leverage advanced technologies to transform creative and cultural domains, from AI-driven music composition and performing arts to immersive storytelling and visual experiences.
Beyond the exhibition, two HKBU experts are involved in FILMART’s seminar sessions. Mr Chen Yimin, Senior Lecturer of the Academy of Film, moderated the discussion session titled “[AI Hub Programme Series] Gearing up for the AI Opportunities” yesterday, while Professor Kim Shin Dong, Director and Professor of the Academy of Film, will speak at the session “The Present and Future of AI in Filmmaking” tomorrow (20 March).