IN A celebration of women’s achievements in the Olympic Games, Alibaba Group has applied its cloud-based AI technology to restore and colorize archival footage for the short film “To the Greatness of HER.”
This 8-minute film, premiering at the Alibaba Evening in Paris, chronicles the evolution of gender equality in sports since the 19th century, highlighting the stories of three remarkable female athletes: Zhang Shan, Kathrine Switzer, and Suzanne Lenglen.
The restoration process involved enhancing image resolution, colorizing grayscale images, and revitalizing historical moments from the 1924 Paris Olympics. These advancements allow viewers to experience the past with a new vibrancy and clarity, fostering a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs of female athletes throughout history.
Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee, expressed his gratitude for Alibaba’s use of AI, stating: “To the Greatness of HER highlights the great progress of women in sports through the course of history. My heartfelt thanks go to our friends at Alibaba for using AI-powered technology to let the achievements of these women in sports shine through the full spectrum of colors.”
Bach further emphasized the importance of the film in promoting gender equality, noting that “Gender equality is a team sport. We all have a role to play and we all have to lead by example.”
Zhang Shan, who made history by winning a gold medal in a mixed-gender skeet shooting event at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, reflected on her experience: “When I competed in the Olympic Games Barcelona 1992 for the mixed skeet shooting title, I didn’t do it to prove anything. I simply love the sport. By reliving that moment, I hope we can encourage more people to pursue the sports that they are passionate about.”
Kathrine Switzer, the first woman to officially run the Boston Marathon in 1967, shared her perspective: “Women in sports have come a long way since I first ran the Boston Marathon in 1967. It’s been great to see how many have really reached for the heights and competed in the Olympic Games. Seeing these historical photos renewed by technology enables us to reflect on how far we’ve come and to continue the progress of bringing sport opportunities to more women worldwide.”
Chris Tung, President of Alibaba Group Strategic Development, affirmed Alibaba’s commitment to inclusivity and equity, stating: “By using cloud-based AI to deepen our understanding of the past and shine a light on the achievements of female athletes, this project is a great example to showcase how technology can be utilized to promote the values we cherish.
This innovative application of AI in film restoration demonstrates the potential of technology to preserve and enhance our cultural heritage. By breathing new life into historical footage, Alibaba is not only honoring the achievements of female athletes but also inspiring future generations to pursue their dreams in sports and beyond.
