The ongoing 21st China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair has seen a slew of artificial intelligence (AI)-integrated photographic robotic arms and virtual reality (VR) systems brought by Chinese film tech firms.
More than 120,000 cultural products are on display, and over 4,000 investment and financing projects in the cultural industries are showcased and traded at the event.
Industry players at the event highlight AI's penetration across the filmmaking chain, from pre-visualization to post-production.
The AI filmmaking replaces green screens with real-time AI-generated environments visible to actors and directors during filming, and enables elaborate shots without costly rehearsals, according to exhibitors.
A domestically developed robotic camera arm drew attention for enabling precise, synchronized cinematography. The system executes complex shots -- such as a 10-second multi-actor tracking sequence -- with millisecond accuracy while feeding footage directly into AI-generated environments.
"It is through our software that I get to convert the virtual paths and the real-life footage into hardware, so as to achieve the most complex scenes. For example, a one-shot, a long shot or shot-switching between multiple objects and multiple actors. If you use real people you need multiple departments to rehearse. (This robotic arm) can perfectly use the data in AI to reproduce it," said Meng Juntao, an exhibitor.
The fair also debuts what developers claim the world's first XR-powered 'seated VR cinema' system.
Using head-mounted displays with 8K Ultra High-Definition resolution and ultra-wide fields of view, the technology transports viewers into hyper-realistic scenarios, from oceanic depths to interstellar travel, while requiring minimal physical infrastructure.
"The seated VR cinema can be brought into scenic areas and other public place. In the past, our traditional movies always had a picture frame. The audience used to be a bystander of the story, but now by using the VR technology, we can make the audience a witness of the story," said Wang Jixuan, deputy general manager of Xi 'an Film Studio Co., Ltd.
A total of 6,280 government delegations, cultural institutions, and enterprises are participating in the event either online or offline, an increase of 265 over the previous session, welcomed by 3,300 exhibitors at the fair.
AI-powered film technologies highlighted at Cultural Industries Fair
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
