AI has arrived
Two years ago, I pitched an idea to a Film Festival Executive. It was simple. Include an AI Short category. Just like animated shorts, but focused on the new production tool of generative AI. The reply was, “Let’s wait to see what Cannes does.” At first, I thought it was a failure in leadership. Dismissive. That was a harsh conclusion because no one wants to be first lest they suffer the daggers. As Darren Aronofsky has. Well, zoom forward to today. Guess who is hosting an AI Film Festival?
AI filmmakers are now stepping onto the very same global stage—at the legendary Palais des Festivals et des Congrès—the iconic venue that hosts the annual Cannes Film Festival. This milestone gathering marks a defining moment for AI cinema worldwide.
In collaboration with AI creative communities across Japan, Korea, China, and Brazil—where WAIFF has already launched satellite festivals—the event’s second evening will culminate in a spectacular global showcase of AI-created films. The festival takes place April 21–22, 2026.
Thousands of AI filmmakers, technologists, and creative pioneers from around the world will come together, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the industry’s most forward-thinking leaders at this unprecedented international event.
The World AI Film Festival (WAIFF) is rapidly becoming the Cannes of AI filmmaking—an unmatched global platform dedicated entirely to the future of cinematic creation. Filmmakers are invited to submit AI films, shorts, music videos, and experimental works via the WAIFF submission link or on FilmFreeway. Submissions close February 27.
WAIFF Website: https://lnkd.in/gq7pPVpR
Film Freeway Entries: https://lnkd.in/gyapQ7g2
As there seems to be many AI Film Festivals popping up, it is hard to not take note that this is tied to a resurgence of independent filmmaking. With the studio system in shambles, these AI tools not only create hybrid workflows but inspire many people who dream of storytelling.
Watch this space and track our own progress on the CLOWD AI Film Festival.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Curt Doty is a former studio executive and award-winning creative director with deep leadership experience across the entertainment and branding industries. Ten years in Television. Ten Years in Movies.
As the founder of CurtDoty.co, a creative consultancy, Curt has led integrated marketing, multi-channel storytelling, branding, identity, and user experience initiatives for a diverse roster of clients.
Over the past 15 years, Curt has leaned into innovation—leading R&D projects at Apple, Toshiba, and Microsoft, and pioneering interactive content.
Today, Curt’s work also explores the intersection of AI and entertainment. A sought-after fractional leader (CCO, CMO), speaker, and AI educator, he focuses on demystifying AI for creatives and executives alike.
Curt is a sought after public speaker having been featured at Mobile Growth Association, Mobile World Congress, App Growth Summit, Promax, CES, CTIA, NAB, NATPE, MMA Global, New Mexico Angels, PRSA, EntrepeneursRx, Digital Hollywood, SHRM, Streaming Media NYC, and Davos Worldwide. Download his speaker presskit here.
Through public speaking, keynotes and podcasts, Curt is continuing his role as a visionary voice in the future of creativity. He is now a board member of The Human AI Innovation Commons, Encoding Equity Into AI-Generated Prosperity. A framework for ensuring the innovations arising from Human – AI collaborations benefit humanity broadly, not just corporate shareholders.
