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Dance in the Ashes

Amidst a desolate battlefield, a girl in a red dress dances, trying to awaken lifeless soldiers trapped in a black-and-white world. Ignored, she continues until a bomb strikes her, and she bursts like a blood-red firework. As color returns, the soldiers regain their will, defeat the enemy, and reclaim victory. In the spot where she danced, a small red flower blooms.

  • Chu Li
    Director
  • Yawen Xiao
    Director
  • Chu Li
    Writer
  • Yawen Xiao
    Writer
  • Chu Li
    Producer
  • Yawen Xiao
    Producer
  • Chu Li
    Video Editer
  • Yawen Xiao
    Video Editer
  • Chu Li
    Sound Designer
  • Yawen Xiao
    Sound Designer
  • Project Type:
    Experimental, Music Video, Short, Student
  • Runtime:
    2 minutes 6 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    February 15, 2025
  • Production Budget:
    40 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    China
  • Country of Filming:
    United States, United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    AI Generation
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Carnegie Mellon University
Director Biography - Chu Li, Yawen Xiao

Chu is an artist, programmer, and designer from Carnegie Mellon University, where she specializes in blending technology with storytelling. With a strong foundation in game development, real-time rendering, and visual effects, she is passionate about pushing the boundaries of AI-driven filmmaking. Her work explores how artificial intelligence can enhance cinematic expression, creating immersive and emotionally resonant experiences.

Yawen is an artist, designer and technologist from Carnegie Mellon University, passionate about the intersection of AI and creative media. With expertise in computational artistry and interactive storytelling, she focuses on reimagining traditional filmmaking through generative AI and digital innovation. Her work emphasizes the fusion of artistic vision and cutting-edge technology, pioneering new approaches to narrative and visual aesthetics.

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Director Statement

Chu - "As an artist and programmer, I am deeply fascinated by how technology can transform storytelling. AI-driven filmmaking is not just a tool but an evolving creative partner—one that reshapes visual expression and redefines narrative structure. My work seeks to explore this intersection, crafting cinematic experiences that merge technical precision with emotional depth. Through AI, I aim to push the boundaries of film, creating stories that feel both innovative and deeply human."

Yawen - "Filmmaking is an ever-evolving art form, and AI has become an integral part of its future. As a designer, I am drawn to the creative possibilities AI unlocks—new aesthetics, dynamic storytelling, and an enhanced connection between human vision and computational intelligence. My passion lies in exploring AI’s role in shaping cinematic language, bridging the gap between technology and artistry to create immersive, thought-provoking films that challenge conventional storytelling."