The 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organization Film Festival in Chongqing became a stage for visionary dialogues as renowned director Feng Xiaogang shared insights on technology's transformative role in cinema. Against the backdrop of southwest China's mountainous megacity, industry leaders from SCO member states explored how digital innovation is rewriting filmmaking's rulebook.
From Reels to Algorithms
Feng emphasized how AI-assisted editing and virtual production techniques now enable "stories that leap beyond physical limitations." The director noted that while technology streamlines production, it amplifies the need for human creativity: "Our cameras see further, but our hearts must dig deeper."
Cultural Bridges Through Screens
The festival highlighted growing technical collaboration among SCO nations, with Feng predicting a "new Silk Road of digital storytelling." Panel discussions revealed surging demand for cross-border co-productions leveraging diverse technical expertise, from India's VTC pipelines to Russia's animation studios.
The Human Equation
When asked about streaming platforms, Feng cautioned against algorithm-driven homogeneity: "Data tells us what worked, not what could work." His comments sparked debates about preserving cultural specificity while harnessing technological advancements across Asia's film markets.
