“Bright Future of Humanity”: Global AI Film Initiative Launches in Los Angeles

Los Angeles, August 22, 2025 (LAPost) — The “Bright Future of Humanity” Global AI Visual Works Call-for-Submissions was launched Friday at the Steven J. Ross Theater at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, marking a milestone moment in the intersection of artificial intelligence and cinema.

The initiative is jointly presented by China Media Group (CMG) and the New York Film Academy (NYFA), with over one hundred distinguished guests in attendance, including Academy Awards voting members, Warner Bros. executives, veteran Hollywood filmmakers, and AI experts.

For the first time in Hollywood, CMG also unveiled its official film channel logo, signaling its ambitions to stand alongside the world’s top studios.

A Call for AI and Humanity to “Grow Together”

In a written address, CMG President Shen Haixiong highlighted the broadcaster’s growing portfolio of AI-driven cultural products, including Chinese Mythology, Eternal Verses, AI Gala, and Winning with AI+, along with pioneering competitions such as the CMG World Robot Contest and the World Humanoid Robot Games.

Launching this global call, he said, was about more than technology:

“We hope to explore the emotional resonance between humans and AI beyond lines of code, and to envision a future where humanity and AI grow together. This is an innovative practice of AI empowering film creation. We invite young people worldwide to become the ‘magic brush’ of Chinese legend, to use imagination and creativity to depict a future of technological empowerment, cultural diversity, and harmonious coexistence.”

Shen framed the initiative as threefold: a platform for artistic innovation, a dialogue between civilizations, and a bridge for international cooperation.

“As a responsible international mainstream media organization, CMG is committed to resisting misuse, bridging the intelligent divide, and guiding AI toward being people-centered and good for humanity.”

Diplomacy Meets Cinema

Xie Feng (Photo by: Richard Ren/LAPost)

In a video address, Chinese Ambassador to the United States Xie Feng emphasized the transformative power of combining film with AI:

“When film and television meet artificial intelligence, they spark dazzling creativity and infinite new possibilities. We must ride this wave and seize the opportunities of cinematic transformation.”

Xie recalled that in 2023, President Xi Jinping proposed the Global AI Governance Initiative, and more recently, Premier Li Qiang called for a World AI Cooperation Organization.

“As two great nations in both AI and filmmaking, China and the U.S. should work hand in hand: exchange talent, jointly tackle technical challenges, and cultivate breakthrough achievements in technology and art. The theme ‘Bright Future of Humanity’ reflects our common aspiration for an intelligent future that is shared by all.”

Former Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences President Janet Yang echoed that sentiment in her message:

“AI opens new doors and amplifies human voices. While safeguarding irreplaceable human creativity, we must embrace technology as a powerful partner in telling humanity’s stories. I look forward to a future where AI and human imagination advance together, and where these stories are shared with the world.”

Storytelling as Collaboration

Sonny Calderon, Vice President of NYFA, told the audience that every technological revolution has reshaped storytelling:

“AI is not a replacement but a collaborator. It helps artists expand their thinking and attempt ideas once unimaginable. This competition asks young creators to use AI not for novelty’s sake, but in service of human imagination.”

Huang Hongjiang, Acting Chinese Consul General in Los Angeles, underscored the role of film as a “bridge of hearts”:

“Cinema crosses borders and languages to connect audiences worldwide. AI will offer even more opportunities for U.S.-China collaboration, inspiring works that resonate deeply with both peoples. This initiative can strengthen cultural understanding and contribute to friendship and mutual benefit.”

Toward Peace and Shared Stories

The event also unveiled official competition rules. Submissions of AI-generated videos, music, and paintings are open through September 1, 2025, with winning works to be showcased at the “United as One World – Voices of Peace” concert at Lincoln Center in New York on September 23.

Distinguished guests praised the launch: Sheila Sofian, Academy voter and USC Animation Extension Program Director, said CMG’s new film channel logo “signals that China is stepping onto the global stage with top studios, and AI provides a new platform for collaboration.” Mike Mitchell, director of Kung Fu Panda 4, added that deepening U.S.-China partnerships in AI cinema could “help artificial intelligence better serve humanity.”

As Shen Haixiong concluded, the Bright Future of Humanity initiative is about more than algorithms or cameras:

“It is about making light and shadow into bridges of friendship, and ensuring AI works for good — so that art can help us imagine, and perhaps build, a brighter, shared future.”

(By: Richard Ren/LAPost)

For more information and submission details, please visit http://aiwowow.com