ANFFF 2025 - Shanghai

AI-Empowered Ecological Film Incubator

Background and Objectives

Amid escalating global ecological challenges, visual arts have emerged as a pivotal medium for disseminating environmental awareness. The ANFFF (Animal Nature Future Film Festival) Shanghai edition, in collaboration with the Shanghai Vancouver Film School (SHVFS) and international partners, launches the AI-Empowered Ecological Venture Unit.

Centered on the theme "Animals · Ecology · Future," this initiative seeks to harness AI technologies to advance ecological filmmaking, curating short-film projects distinguished by narrative depth, technical innovation, and societal relevance. It aims to galvanize the global propagation of ecological conservation principles.

We encourage creators to leverage AI tools for enhanced efficiency and workflow optimization—particularly in high-cost, high-risk domains like ecological documentaries. AI offers unique advantages in ideation, scene recomposition, and post-production refinement, ensuring technology serves both creative expression and environmental advocacy.

AmiDate: November 15, 2025 (Saturday), 13:00–17:00

Location: Shanghai

Agenda:

  • Approximately 20 shortlisted projects will deliver live pitches.

  • Each project receives 5 minutes for presentation, followed by Q&A with judges and investors.

  • Five winning projects will be selected by an international jury.

Evaluation

Dimensions

  • Completeness and innovation in storytelling.

  • Integration with ecological issues and societal impact.

  • Cross-cultural communicative potential.

  • AI-film integration viability and implementation prospects.

Awards and Support

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Awards and Support —

Monetary Awards:

Five winning projects will receive ¥2,000 each upon completion (creators retain full copyright).

Post-event Support:

  • Mentorship from professional experts (screenwriting, directing, production, art design, lighting).

  • AI technical development and workflow guidance.

  • Equipment/studio access for filming.

  • Collaboration with ecological reserves and expert consultations.

  • Casting support from award-winning international artists.

  • Global publicity (80M–400M annual impressions) and media exposure.

  • Distribution via platforms (e.g., WeShort, 100K+ members).

  • Screening opportunities at international film festivals (Cannes Marché du Film, Busan ACFM, ANFFF 2026).

Submission Requirements

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Submission Requirements —

Eligibility: Creators, film teams, and AI developers focused on ecological themes.

  • Materials: Full Pitch Deck including synopsis, visual concept (non-documentaries require first 5 scenes’ storyboards), production plan, team profile, and budget.

  • Submission: Via the ANFFF official website or partner platforms (to be announced).

  • Fee: ¥9.99 per proposal to deter non-serious submissions.

Timeline:

  • Sept 15, 2025: Project call opens & free training registration.

  • Early Oct 2025: Two 2-hour free masterclasses by Prof. Odet Abadia on "AI-integrated pitching strategies" (hosted by SHVFS AI Future Imaging Research Center).

  • Oct 20, 2025: Submission deadline.

  • Oct 26, 2025: Finalists announced.

  • Nov 15, 2025: Live pitch session and judging.

Through the AI-Empowered Ecological Venture Unit, ANFFF aims to catalyze the convergence of technology and artistry among a new generation of creators at the nexus of ecological preservation and filmmaking. With awards and global support, outstanding projects will gain production opportunities and international visibility, advancing the worldwide discourse on animal and ecological issues.

Note: The pitch session is a closed-door event for partners only. Individual supporters and production sponsors are still being recruited. Contact: info@internationalnaturebond.com.

Organizing and Supporting Entities

Steering Units

  • Pet Culture Committee, China Culture Association

  • Shanghai International Resort Administration Committee

Host Unit

  • MiMaoku (Shanghai) Culture & Media Co., Ltd.

Co-organizing Units

  • Shanghai Vancouver Film School, Shanghai University

  • International Nature Bond CIC (UK)

Certification and Distribution Support

  • International Nature Bond CIC (UK)

  • MIMAOKU Culture & Media Ltd. (International Distribution Support)