Published Date : 07/06/2025
Artificial intelligence's use in movie making is exploding, and a young film festival is showcasing what this technology can do on the big screen. The annual AI Film Festival, organized by Runway, a company that specializes in AI-generated video, kicked off in New York on Thursday night with ten short films from around the world making their debut on the big screen.
Three years ago, this was such a crazy idea,
Q: What is the AI Film Festival?
A: The AI Film Festival is an annual event organized by Runway, a company specializing in AI-generated video. It showcases short films created with AI technology, highlighting the growing presence of AI in filmmaking.
Q: How has the AI Film Festival grown over the years?
A: The AI Film Festival has seen significant growth since its debut in 2023. It received about 300 submissions in its first year, and this year, it received around 6,000 submissions, reflecting the increasing capabilities and popularity of AI in filmmaking.
Q: What criteria do films need to meet to be submitted to the AI Film Festival?
A: Films submitted to the AI Film Festival must include the use of AI-generated video, but there is no set threshold. Some films can take a more 'mixed media' approach, combining live shots of actors or real-life images and sounds with AI-generated elements.
Q: How is AI used in Hollywood beyond the AI Film Festival?
A: AI is used in Hollywood for a variety of applications, including post-production editing, digital touch-ups, and behind-the-scenes work like sorting footage. It is also used to 'de-age' actors and create eye-catching stunts in big-budget films.
Q: What concerns do industry workers have about the use of AI in filmmaking?
A: Industry workers, particularly those represented by unions like IATSE and SAG-AFTRA, are concerned about the potential for AI to undermine workers' rights and livelihoods. They are working to establish provisions and guardrails around the use of AI in the film industry.