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 a