THE ORIGINAL INDEPENDENT AI FESTIVAL
"Fascinating" -PBS
"Move Over Sundance" -TownLift
"Like Academy Awards but for AI Film"
AI Film Fest is a 501(c)(3) non-profit
THE ORIGINAL INDEPENDENT AI FESTIVAL
"Fascinating" -PBS
"Move Over Sundance" -TownLift
"Like Academy Awards but for AI Film"
AI Film Fest is a 501(c)(3) non-profit
HOLLYWOOD, CA — The AI International Film and Music Video Festivals (aifilmfest.org and aimusicvideofest.org) continue their exploration of the future of cinema — this time in one of Hollywood’s oldest historic spaces.
On Wednesday, April 8, the festival moves to the legendary El Cid Theater on Sunset Boulevard, originally occupied in 1906 by cinema innovator D.W. Griffith. The property has been connected to creative Hollywood innovators for more than a century, in various configurations touching the lives of artists including Lillian Gish, Dorothy Gish, Mae Marsh, Donald Crisp, Bette Davis, Vincent Price, Gary Merrill, Marlon Brando, Carol Burnett, and Ed Wood.|
Now it becomes the stage for the next generation of cinema innovators.
Screening the top shorts out of 150 international submissions, filmmakers and music video creators from around the world watch and critique each other’s works, and share insights in dynamic Q&A sessions with the audience. In addition to filmmakers and crews attending in person, 16 international filmmakers join us live on screen from locations across the globe.
The Festivals are arranged as a seated salon-style evening with reserved tables, bringing filmmakers, VIPs, and audience members into a shared space designed for conversation as much as cinema. VIP ticket holders will be seated with filmmakers and film crews wherever possible.
Drinks and authentic Spanish tapas will be available throughout the evening.
UPDATED SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
5:45 PM — RED CARPET & ARRIVAL INTERVIEWS (PATIO and ENTRANCE ALCOVE)
Filmmakers and Guests participate in arrivals, red carpet filming, and interviews.
6:30 PM — AI INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (AUDITORIUM)
Screening the top shorts out of 113 international submissions, one at a time.
Filmmakers participate in live discussion with the audience after each individual screening.
7:45 PM — SALON INTERMISSION & MIXER
A brief intermission for guests to mingle, refresh drinks, and order El Cid's authentic tapas before the next program.
8:00 PM — AI INTERNATIONAL MUSIC VIDEO FESTIVAL (AUDITORIUM)
Screening the top music videos selected from 35 global submissions, one at a time.
Music Video makers participate in live discussion with the audience after each individual screening.
9:00 PM — AWARDS CEREMONY (AUDITORIUM)
Audience Choice Awards and Jury Awards for both Festivals.
9:30 PM — END of CEREMONIES in AUDITORIUM
9:30 PM — RED CARPET EXIT INTERVIEWS (ENTRANCE ALCOVE)
Filmmakers, VIPs, and Guests participate in red carpet filming and interviews.
9:30 PM — AFTERPARTY (PATIO)
Filmmakers, VIPs, and Guests enjoy casual drinks and tapas in a casual setting.
Get Your Tickets Today
Join a growing community of filmmakers, writers, actors, technologists, and creative artists exploring the future of cinema. The previous Festival on March 1 2026 sold out. Secure your seat at the table where the future of cinema is being written.
The AI International Film Festival started as the world’s first AI film festival back in 2021 — before the hype. Independent and Non-Profit, the festival focuses on passionate storytelling and AI filmmakers with something to say.
"Like an Academy Awards but for AI films, now monthly" - R. Maggi, writer, director, actor
These are Tomorrow's Filmmakers.
The festival now accepts vertical and micro films as well as horizontal and normal format films to account for the tremendous creative activity in vertical format films.
This is the home of the incredible creative community of cutting-edge AI Filmmakers as well as Filmmakers concerned about our collective Future with AI.
The AI International Film Festival is usually held in Hollywood, California — and explores AI's promises, dangers, and revolutionary effects on both Cinema and Society.
The festival showcases AI Films, Hybrid AI Films, Live-Action, Series/Pilot, Animated, and Documentary Films that signal the future of creative expression, or envision AI’s societal impact. Now also offering educational expert panels for aspiring filmmakers led by respected AI creatives.
Known for its uniquely interactive format, the festival brings filmmakers and audiences together in real-time conversations — watching and discussing each film immediately after it screens.
Sevda, a Turkish and German citizen, is an internationally recognized fashion designer, painter, novelist, film maker, world traveler, and most recently also successful stand-up comedian. Sev splits her time between Munich Germany, Antalya Turkey, Nice France, New York, Salt Lake City, and Los Angeles, and serves as chief judge for the AI International Film Festival.
Kwintone joins us director of strategic communications and legal affairs. He is known as "Kwintocrates" for his dialectic and principle-based approach to both strategy and negotiations. After a distinguished career of managing complex organizations under very challenging circumstances., he serves as a well-respected financial consultant. Kwintone is an expert in legal affairs.
The visionary director behind *In the Arms of Fire* and the founder of The Influence Films, Mauricio has over 20 years of experience as an award-winning filmmaker, and also as a musician. Mauricio’s creative journey is marked by his dedication to pushing the boundaries of independent cinema and by his outstanding attention to detail.
Ali Azizian is a Los Angeles-based Iranian American actor, musician, producer, assistant director, and director of photography. Known for his work in theater (Balcony, The Apartment, The Tenant), and independent film and music video projects (The Assistant, Sojourner. Aloodeh, Mah-e Shabam), Azizian is founder of the band HASHT. Ali serves as director of photography at our festivals.
Candus is a published author, beauty and wellness consultant, herbalist, song writer, and alchemist who serves as our hospitality director and on-site co-host at our events in Southern California. Candus is in charge in the lobby before and after the shows, interviews the talent, and serves as primary point of contact for attendees and filmmakers alike.
Alexander Soule uses a data-driven approach to craft engaging marketing initiatives. An experienced marketing strategist, Alex provides compelling stories that resonate with diverse audiences, taking advantage of his background in business, content creation, social media management, organisation, and video editing to support the marketing effort.
Hadi is an experienced TV producer, videographer and editor with a degree in Film, Television, and Digital Arts. Hadi captures the excitement of our films and festivals with deft editing skills which form the basis for our social media and public outreach.
Mary is a student at New York Film Academy Burbank, and is an experienced TV producer, screenwriter, videographer, and editor. Mary speaks English, German, and French, and is a world traveler, and also chief editor for the AI International Film Festival.
Bert Holland founded the AI International Film Festival to increase awareness of the societal impact of AI and ChatGPT, to integrate AI into film making, and prepare young film makers for the AI future. Founder The AI Project and The AI Consult and AI Film Fest.
Help support creative independent and student filmmakers whose work educates the public and students about the potential societal effects of Artificial Intelligence.
The AI International Film Festival is a non-profit committed to nurturing talent and providing opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds.