KPL
Artificial intelligence (AI) featured in performances and translation technology at the 8th Mekong-Lancang International Film Festival, held in Vientiane Capital on 31 October 2026.
About 200 people attended the event, including representatives from film and television organisations in six countries in the Mekong-Lancang region, industry specialists and members of the public.
The festival, organised by Chinese and Lao bodies and the government of China’s Yunnan province, forms part of a week-long programme marking the 10th anniversary of Mekong-Lancang cooperation. Its themes are “The Wisdom of Mekong-Lancang River Cooperation”, “The Growth of Mekong-Lancang River Cooperation” and “Dreaming Together”.
The opening performance, “Hello China! Hello Laos!”, featured robots dancing alongside performers from both countries. Singers later joined an AI-generated digital performer to sing “Friends on the Road”. The show also used AI to provide live translation in Chinese, Lao and English, with technical support from Kunming University of Science and Technology.
Organisers announced 12 projects under a new phase of Mekong-Lancang audiovisual cooperation. They include plans for joint broadcasting and translation, co-produced short dramas and documentaries, youth exchanges, talent development and livestreaming.
The projects are intended to expand collaboration in media production and technology among countries in the region. The festival’s organisers said the programme would support the sharing of audiovisual content and expertise.
KPL
