China’s film industry is getting a high-tech glow-up in 2026, with streaming giant iQIYI betting big on AI to redefine storytelling. As the country kicks off its 15th Five-Year Plan and Film Economy Promotion Year, CEO Gong Yu told CGTN at the 16th Beijing International Film Festival that artificial intelligence is 'unlocking creativity we’ve never imagined.'
🎥 'AI isn’t replacing filmmakers—it’s giving them superpowers,' Gong explained, comparing the tech to a 'blockbuster-sized toolbox' for everything from script analysis to visual effects. With over 500 AI-enhanced projects already in development this year, platforms like iQIYI are seeing scripts move from draft to screen 30% faster.
🌐 The push aligns with China’s broader cultural strategy, blending tech innovation with soft power. As global streaming wars heat up, could AI-generated content become the new frontier? Gong thinks so: 'We’re not just making movies—we’re building bridges between cultures through algorithms.'
📈 Film buffs, take note: With box office revenues projected to grow 18% this year, the real drama might be happening behind the scenes.
