Big-screen action legends are about to stage an unexpected return.
Organizers in Shanghai just unveiled a major initiative that blends cutting-edge technology with classic martial arts cinema. The Kung Fu Film Heritage Project kicked off at the Shanghai International Film Festival, spearheaded by the China Film Foundation and several partners.
AI is taking center stage in a huge restoration undertaking. One hundred beloved kung fu movies are now slated to benefit from digital upgrades that aim to enhance picture and sound, while keeping the soul of the originals. It’s more than a technical process — leaders frame it as an investment in preserving a vital legacy for future generations.
Zhang Qilin of the China Film Foundation summed up the drive behind the project: “From Bruce Lee to Jackie Chan, from ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’ to ‘Wolf Warrior,’ these films have shown the world the vitality and spirit of the Chinese people.” He called the films China’s “cinematic calling cards to the world.”
A select group of films will lead the charge, including legends such as “Fist of Fury,” “The Big Boss,” and “Drunken Master.” Canxing Media’s Tian Ming disclosed that ten classics will be first in line, supported by an initial investment worth almost 14 million US dollars.
< h2 >AI Film Production Breaks New Ground< /h2 >
Tian spoke to the new possibilities AI brings, remarking, “AI is the brush, but creativity is the soul. Classic kung fu films embody China’s spiritual backbone. We’re inviting global partners to join this cultural and technological reboot.”
Shanghai also saw the debut of “A Better Tomorrow: Cyber Border,” which takes a futuristic spin on a well-known John Woo crime saga. This project pushed boundaries by relying entirely on AI, from scriptwriting down to rendering.
Producer Zhang Qing emphasized the scale of the achievement: “This entire animated feature was made by just 30 people. AI has collapsed the barrier between creativity and execution. The production cycle has gone from years to months.”
The movie serves as an early glimpse of what the next generation of Chinese genre storytelling could become — merging tradition, new visual styles, and rapid production cycles. Zhang sees even further possibilities, urging Chinese artists to break into global gaming with fighting titles rooted in homegrown legends.
Regulation featured prominently in the launch event, as officials touted new national policies designed to guide the responsible use of AI in media. He Tao from the national media authority described AI as “a new infrastructure,” shaping everything from dubbing to film distribution.
Shanghai’s new Industry-Academia-Research Center will anchor training and experimentation, while other cities like Xi’an, Wuhan, and Xiamen set up their own hubs. Officials highlighted that upgrades in visual effects processing have already shrunk timelines from more than a year to just a single day.
Veterans such as Yu Rongguang, Zhang Tan, and Yuan Hong were honored as torchbearers for the new wave. Yuan reflected, “I’ve spent 40 years doing nothing but kung fu films. If I have any strength left, I’ll dedicate it to this plan.” For more on how AI film festivals are influencing entertainment, explore the latest industry shifts.
