As China launches its 15th Five-Year Plan and designates 2026 as the Film Economy Promotion Year, iQIYI founder and CEO Gong Yu has revealed how artificial intelligence is reshaping the nation's cinematic landscape. In an exclusive interview with CGTN during the 16th Beijing International Film Festival, Gong emphasized AI's transformative role in scriptwriting, post-production, and personalized content creation.
"AI enables us to analyze audience preferences with unprecedented precision," Gong stated, noting how machine learning algorithms now help filmmakers optimize storytelling while maintaining creative control. The streaming platform executive highlighted recent innovations including virtual production tools reducing costs by 40% and AI-assisted editing systems cutting post-production timelines in half.
This technological leap coincides with China's national strategy to strengthen cultural soft power through film. The 15th Five-Year Plan allocates substantial resources for digital infrastructure supporting creative industries, with 12 major film projects already receiving AI development grants this year.
Industry analysts predict the convergence of AI and cinema could add $2.3 billion to China's entertainment economy by 2027. As the Beijing International Film Festival showcases 48 AI-enhanced productions this week, global attention focuses on how China's tech-driven approach might redefine filmmaking worldwide.
