AI Short Film "This is Me" Screened as Japan's Representative Work at Hong Kong University's "Award-winning AI Film Showcase"

AI short film "This is Me," produced by METREA Inc. (Headquarters: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Marika Hirata; hereinafter METREA), which develops content production utilizing creative AI and AI reskilling training programs, was screened as Japan's representative work at the "Award-winning AI Film Showcase + Meeting the Directors" event hosted by the University of Hong Kong (hereinafter HKU) School of Future Media on May 21, 2026.

Our representative, Marika Hirata, participated in a panel discussion on visual expression in the AI era alongside invited directors from around the world, moderated by Professor Ruby Yang, Director of the School of Future Media at the University of Hong Kong.

Event Overview

The HKU School of Future Media was established as a new educational institution that spans journalism, documentary production, AI content generation, and more, and it offers Asia's first master's program in AI filmmaking. It is a global leader in education and research connecting AI and visual expression.

Four creators, primarily from Asia, who have received acclaim at international AI film festivals were invited to this event, where their works were screened and discussed. The venue was a theater with approximately 174 seats in the Run Run Shaw Tower at HKU's Centennial Campus.

Event Name

Award-winning AI Film Showcase + Meeting the Directors

Organizer

The University of Hong Kong, School of Future Media

Venue

HKU Centennial Campus, Run Run Shaw Tower (174 seats)

Date and Time

May 21, 2026

Featured Directors

Marika Hirata (METREA) / Sheng Qiu / Yuqing Liu / Phoenix Liu

Moderator

Professor Ruby Yang (Director, School of Future Media, The University of Hong Kong)

Screened Films

"THIS IS ME"

Director: Marika Hirata (CEO, METREA Inc.) Awards: Winner of "Japan Best AI Film Award" and "Best AI Animation Award" at WORLD AI FILM FESTIVAL 2026 in KYOTO / Selected for WAIFF Cannes 2026

A short animated film that depicts the fluctuation of gender identity and the gap between it and the "clarity" society demands, through a unique visual expression that fuses fantasy and realism. While incorporating AI into key production processes, it explores the universal themes of individual inner life and societal pressure.

"A Dollar Story"

Director: Sheng Qiu Awards: Winner of World AI Film Festival 2026 Best Action Film

An experimental visual work that portrays human desire and capitalism through a one-dollar bill that travels the world for 100 years.

"The Tale of the Peony"

Director: Liu Yuqing Awards: Winner of Best Short Film and Best Visual Design Award in the AIGC category at the Beijing International Film Festival

An experimental work that reinterprets Chinese classical literature and traditional culture as AI-generated visuals.

"Seven Fleeting Days"

Director: Phoenix Liu Awards: Winner of Best AI Feature Film at the Beijing International Film Festival

A medium-length film based on the director's personal experiences, visualizing trauma and rebirth through seven fantastical worlds.

Talk Session

Following the screenings, a discussion was held with each director, moderated by Professor Ruby Yang, an Academy Award winner. The discussion covered a wide range of topics, including:

Where AI is utilized in the production process

Division of roles between AI and creators

Possibilities for visual expression expanded by using AI

What is prioritized during production

Directorship and originality in the AI era

Active questions were also raised by students, with opinions exchanged on themes such as "Will the work's individuality be lost by using AI?", "How is AI being used for learning and production?", and "What are your thoughts on future changes in the film industry?" This provided a valuable opportunity for the next generation of creators who will shape visual expression in the AI era to engage directly with leading artists.

Representative's Comment (Marika Hirata, CEO of METREA Inc.)

"'This is Me' was created with the message that it is okay to live as you wish, not a life chosen for someone else. Being able to directly discuss 'what is visual expression in the AI era?' with creators and students from around the world at the forefront of AI visual education in Asia, at Hong Kong University, has been a great asset to us at METREA. I am once again convinced that AI is a means of expression, and it is the creator's sensibility that ultimately moves the audience's hearts."

Hong Kong University and the Forefront of AI Filmmaking Education

Notably, the integration of AI and filmmaking is already progressing significantly at the educational level at Hong Kong University. The School of Future Media has many students engaged in AI-assisted filmmaking and creative expression, and AI literacy education is also emphasized. The attitude of viewing AI not merely as a tool, but as an object for consideration in creation, research, and societal relations, has permeated the entire university.

The educational and production environment surrounding AI and visual expression in Asia is expected to continue developing. Hong Kong University is increasing its presence as one of the key hubs.

Future Outlook

"This is Me" won both the "Japan Best AI Film Award" and the "Best AI Animation Award" at the WORLD AI FILM FESTIVAL 2026 in KYOTO in March of this year, and was also selected to participate in "WAIFF Cannes 2026," held in the film mecca of Cannes.

METREA will continue to break new ground in creativity through its dual focus on content production that fuses AI and sensibility, and AI reskilling training programs for corporations, under its mission to "continue weaving beauty and stories that move the heart."

METREA Inc. Company Profile

Company Name: METREA Inc.

Representative: Marika Hirata, Representative Director and CEO

Location: Frontier Shinjuku Tower Office 325, 3-9-7 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-023

Business Activities:

Planning, independent production, and IP development of original content (animation)

Independent production and licensing of original content that creates unique worlds

Contract production of video advertisements utilizing creative AI

AI reskilling training programs to support the in-house development of AI production know-how

Official URL: https://metrea.design/

Inquiries: corp@metrea.design

About Marika Hirata, Representative Director and CEO

Born in 1997. Entered the video industry as a freelancer at the age of 18.

With a perspective that balances aesthetics and strategy, she has directed video productions across diverse genres including commercials, music videos, TV programs, and corporate branding.

At 24, she became the youngest Creative Director at a production company.

Currently, as the Representative Director of METREA Inc., she plans and directs advertising videos that fuse AI technology and storytelling for national brands such as UNIQLO, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

Concurrently, in her independent films and projects, she constructs worlds centered around "intense passion," "sexuality," "consumption," and "forgiveness."

As a creator standing at the intersection of corporations and art, stories and algorithms, emotions and interfaces, she continuously updates the "evolution of expression" in the AI era.

Major Achievements and Awards

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Tourism Project "TokyoTokyo Ukiyo-e x AI Advertisement"

Osaka Expo AI Character "Homura Hikari" Project Composition

IVS NEOCREA Semi-Grand Prix x AiHUB Award

GMO DESIGN AWARD 2025 "Grand Prize" and "Visual Creative Award"

WORLD AI FILM FESTIVAL 2026 in KYOTO "Japan Best AI Film Award" and "Best AI Animation Award"