The cinematic landscape is set for a revolutionary moment with the inaugural World AI Film Festival (WAiFF), scheduled to take place on April 11-12, 2025, in Nice, France. The festival will serve as a pioneering platform exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence and audiovisual creativity.
A Unique Forum on AI and Cinema
WAiFF will be France’s premier space for discussion on how AI and new technologies are reshaping storytelling, scriptwriting, and filmmaking. Open to filmmakers, technophiles, students, and researchers, the event aims to encourage a deep reflection on the impact of AI in the creative process.
Renowned filmmaker Claude Lelouch will be the Honorary President of this first edition, further elevating the festival’s prestige.
Key Events and Highlights
The festival will feature conferences, panel discussions, and film screenings showcasing AI-driven innovations in writing and directing. A major highlight is the “Trial of AI in Cinema”, a large-scale public debate on April 11, which will be broadcast to schools and universities, exploring the potential and limitations of AI in filmmaking.
The jury panel, comprising influential figures from the film and media industry, will present awards at the Pathé Gare du Sud cinema in Nice. Notable jury members include:
- Anna Apter (Director & Screenwriter)
- Thomas Bidegain (Screenwriter & Director)
- Jean-David Blanc (Founder of Allociné & President of Molotov)
- Marjorie Du Manoir (Editorial Director, Konbini)
- Julie Gayet (Actress, Producer & Director)
- Éric Libiot (Editor-in-Chief, Écran Total), among others.
Awards and Recognitions
A total of seven prizes will be awarded, including three for Best AI Film and a Coup de Cœur from the Alpes-Maritimes Department. The Best AI Film category will award cash prizes of €10,000, €5,000, and €2,000 to the top three winners.
Finalists for Best AI Film:
Fifteen films have been shortlisted for the Best AI Film category, featuring works from Ukraine, China, France, Brazil, the United States, and Senegal. Some of the notable contenders include:
- Anomaly – Yevhen Chernyshov (Ukraine)
- Dear Grandma – Danny Tseng (China)
- I Can’t Breathe – Stéphane Tranquillin (France)
- Natasha – Marcelo Presotto De Castro (Brazil)
- Newton’s Cradle – Jeff Synthesized (United States)
Additionally, four films have been selected for the Prix Coup de Cœur of the Alpes-Maritimes Department, showcasing emerging talent from France.
A Landmark Event in AI and Cinema
Marco Landi, President of WAiFF and the Institut EuropIA, emphasized the festival’s role in celebrating AI’s integration into cinema: “This award recognizes innovation in AI-assisted video production and highlights the perfect fusion between technology and cinematic art.”
The festival is organized by the Département des Alpes-Maritimes, La Maison de l’Intelligence Artificielle, and EuropIA Institute, in partnership with techCannes, clapAction, Genario, and Studio Laffitte.
For accreditation and the full program, visit: www.worldaifilmfestival.com
The opening night on April 11 will also be streamed online: Watch here.
