On April 11 and 12, 2025, the city of Nice will host the inaugural edition of the World AI Film Festival (WAiFF)—a groundbreaking event dedicated to the intersection of cinematic creation and emerging technologies, with a particular focus on artificial intelligence.
Conceived as an open forum for reflection and exchange, WAiFF welcomes filmmakers, researchers, students, tech enthusiasts, and curious minds alike. The festival aims to become a key space for discussion on how creative processes are evolving in the digital age.
A Festival Driven by Creation and Innovation
With legendary director Claude Lelouch as Honorary President, the event will feature a program of panels, screenings, and debates, exploring how AI is impacting screenwriting, directing, and even editing. A major highlight will take place on Friday, April 11, with a public roundtable titled “Experimenting with AI in Cinema”, which will also be streamed in schools and universities—an opportunity to spark conversation about the challenges and possibilities of AI in film.
A Competition Celebrating the Cutting Edge
The festival will also host a competition, with 15 films vying for the title of Best AI Film. A distinguished jury—composed of notable names from both the film and tech industries—will award three prizes valued at €10,000, €5,000, and €2,000, recognizing outstanding work that blends artificial intelligence with storytelling and cinematic innovation.
Finalists include entries from Ukraine, China, Senegal, Brazil, the United States, and several French regions, reflecting a rich diversity of artistic approaches and global creativity. The Pathé Gare du Sud cinema in Nice will host the award ceremony, where the winners will be announced in the presence of Claude Lelouch.
A “Coup de Cœur” from the French Riviera
Proud of its strong ties to both cinema and AI innovation, the Alpes-Maritimes Department is heavily involved in the festival. A special “Coup de Cœur” Award will be presented to one of four finalist films selected from the region—chosen among over 1,300 submissions from around the world.
Charles Ange Ginésy, President of the Alpes-Maritimes Department, shared:
“This festival proves once again that our region is a true cradle of artificial intelligence. It’s a great honor to present this award, which holds a special meaning for me and reflects our commitment to cultural innovation.”
TechCannes: Nurturing Creativity and Innovation
Among WAiFF’s key partners, techCannes plays a vital role. This forward-looking initiative supports projects at the intersection of technology, culture, and creativity. By fostering collaborations between startups, artists, producers, and researchers, techCannes acts as a global incubator for talent and ideas. Its involvement in WAiFF underscores its commitment to cultivating a new generation of hybrid cultural content, closely aligned with the challenges and opportunities of the digital era. With its strong network and regional roots, techCannes helps elevate the festival’s international profile and innovation potential.
A Collective Effort in Service of Creative Futures
Organized through a collaboration of public and private actors, WAiFF is brought to life by the Alpes-Maritimes Department, the House of Artificial Intelligence, and the EuropIA Institute, in partnership with techCannes, clapAction, Genario, and Studio Laffitte.
The festival aspires to become an essential annual gathering, situated at the crossroads of visual arts and cutting-edge technology—redefining the boundaries of imagination in an AI-driven world.
🔗 Full program, accreditations, and selection details: www.worldaifilmfestival.com
🎥 Opening night livestream on April 11: Cuult streaming link
