The future of cinema is being reshaped with artificial intelligence at its core, and India has just taken a major step in that direction. At the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, the WAVES Film Bazaar and IFFI, in collaboration with LTIMindtree, launched the country’s first-ever AI Film Festival and Cinema AI Hackathon. This landmark event highlights how AI technologies are rapidly becoming a part of digital production, visual storytelling, and creative content development.
The AI Film Festival was officially announced on Tuesday, drawing attention for being the first platform in India dedicated solely to AI-generated cinema. The initiative aims to accelerate innovation in filmmaking, offering space for creators to experiment with algorithms, visual automation, generative story tools, and advanced post-production workflows.
With this launch, India positions itself among the growing list of countries adopting AI in entertainment. The partnership between IFFI, Waves Film Bazaar, and LTIMindtree strengthens India’s aspiration to become a global hub for AI-powered creative arts.
The festival received 68 submissions from 18 countries, demonstrating enthusiastic international involvement. Many entries were award-winning creations that had previously featured in global AI-focused film festivals and innovation circuits.
Some of the major global festival contributors included:
Adobe Max (USA)
AI Film3 (USA)
Burano AI Film Festival (Italy)
Metamorph AI Film Awards (UK)
Omni Film Festival (Australia)
Along with festival-submitted works, fourteen independent filmmakers from around the world also entered their films for evaluation. After review, 27 films were selected under the Competition category, while four films entered the Non-Competition showcase, chosen based on narrative creativity, technical excellence, and innovative artistic direction.
The closing ceremony of the Waves Film Bazaar marked the announcement of competition results, celebrating innovators who pushed boundaries using AI-based production methods.
The Craft Master Award – Best AI Short Film (₹3,00,000)
Winner: Nagori, directed by Guillaume Hurbault (France)
Highlights: Powerful storytelling, emotional appeal, and compelling execution.
The Craft Vanguard Award – Most Innovative Use of AI / Experimental Narrative (₹2,00,000)
Winner: The Cinema That Never Was, directed by Mark Wachholz (Germany)
Reason for recognition: Fresh narrative form and inventive integration of AI tools.
The Craft Spectra Award – Best AI Animation / Visual Design (₹1,00,000)
Winner: Kyra, directed by Meta Puppet (USA)
Acknowledged for: Stunning visual design, inventive animation style, and advanced AI-aided creation.
Two promising films were additionally highlighted for outstanding creative capability:
The Last Backup Final Part – by Sreerithanya M.
Miracle on Kachua Beach – by Shivanshu Nirupam
Both works were appreciated for innovation, narrative style, and emerging excellence in AI-based filmmaking.
Film enthusiasts and industry professionals will be able to view selected works from the festival at screenings scheduled as follows:
Maquinez Palace, Auditorium 1
November 26 | 2:30 PM
INOX Porvorim, Auditorium 4
November 27 | 4:45 PM
These screenings aim to offer audiences a firsthand look at how AI is transforming filmmaking and redefining cinematic formats.
Festival organisers stated that the core mission is to nurture a worldwide network of creators who explore AI-driven filmmaking. The platform intends to inspire new artists, encourage cross-border collaborations, and place India on the map as a leading centre for technological advancement in cinema.
With AI now becoming an integral part of script development, editing, VFX and design, this festival marks the beginning of a new creative era where technology and art merge seamlessly.