Veteran Chinese filmmaker Jia Zhangke held a masterclass at the Venice Film Festival, discussing the intersection of technology and cinema.
Jia Zhangke’s Masterclass at the Venice Film Festival
Veteran Chinese filmmaker Jia Zhangke held a masterclass at the Venice Film Festival, covering a wide range of topics from embracing artificial intelligence opportunities in filmmaking to launching the Pingyao International Film Festival in China.
Embracing AI in Filmmaking
Jia, a familiar face at the Biennale, having won the Golden Lion for Best Film in 2006 for Still Life, discussed the ongoing debates surrounding the use of AI in filmmaking. He stated, “This year I tried to make a film with AI, given how AI is increasingly being used in movie production.”
He created a five-minute short film with AI to experiment with the technology, noting that while AI-produced films may lack aesthetic appeal, for a creator, it’s akin to playing chess. “You do it in front of the computer, something you do at home; I call it an indoor activity,” Jia explained. In contrast, films created without AI are more like art, resembling an outdoor activity where filmmakers engage with the world.
Filmmaking as a Journey
Jia emphasized the importance of adapting to new technologies, stating, “You don’t have to be a fan of technology. As a filmmaker, I like to react, change, and experience new things by using the technical opportunities given to me.” He acknowledged the challenges of filmmaking, including intense production periods followed by quiet gaps. Over the years, he has embraced these gaps by delving into festival programming and mentoring young filmmakers.
Pingyao International Film Festival
One of Jia’s significant contributions is founding and running the Pingyao International Film Festival, now in its ninth year, which runs from September 24 to 30. He aims to provide a platform for Chinese filmmakers to gain international distribution and for international films to reach Chinese audiences.
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Jia shared that nearly half of the international films showcased at Pingyao last year were acquired by Chinese distributors, marking a significant milestone. Additionally, he has been programming silent films to introduce Chinese youth to this cinematic era.
Embracing New Formats
When discussing the rise of mini-series and web series, Jia encouraged audiences to embrace these formats rather than fear their impact on traditional cinema. “Mini-series have something to teach us, and the audience also needs them. In cinema, we must always import new opportunities,” he said.
He concluded with reassurance about the evolving industry, stating, “Cinema is a constant search for new forms. Cinema is irreplaceable.”
