World's First Major AI Film Festival Set for Kyoto in 2026

World AI Film Festival 2026 in Kyoto: A New Era in Cinema

The World AI Film Festival (WAIFF), which commenced in April 2025 in Nice, France, is expanding its horizons with an upcoming edition scheduled for March 2026 in Kyoto, Japan. This groundbreaking festival is the first of its kind, focusing exclusively on the intersection of artificial intelligence and filmmaking. The call for submissions is currently open, but creators must act fast, as the deadline approaches on February 15, 2026.

Originally founded by Marco Landi, former President of Apple Europe and COO, WAIFF aims to explore the revolutionary possibilities AI brings to storytelling in cinema. The first festival received tremendous responses, with over 1,500 films submitted from 53 countries, and an attendance of more than 2,000 industry professionals and audience members. Given the success of the inaugural event, WAIFF is set to debut its second edition in Cannes in April 2026, under the banner "Road to WAIFF Cannes 2026," featuring partner events in four cities: São Paulo, Seoul, Wuxi, and Kyoto.

In the 2026 Kyoto edition, there will be various categories for submissions, including short films, feature-length films, vertical microseries for social media, advertising videos, and scripts with AI teasers. This diverse range of categories is designed to promote innovative collaboration between humans and AI, encouraging a wider spectrum of creativity. Moreover, WAIFF operates under the auspices of the EuropIA Institute, a non-profit organization based in France, dedicated to bridging technology and artistic expression while addressing societal issues related to AI.

The festival's panel of judges, composed of professionals from various fields, will evaluate the submitted works. Notable judges include Ryoichi Wada (TOKYO EPIC, WAIFF Japan representative), Daiki Sakurai (Salamander Pictures, anime producer), Yuichiro Saito (Studio Chizu, producer), and author Otsuichi. Their insights will guide the judging process, and the winners will be announced during the festival event in Kyoto.

Scheduled to take place on March 12-13, 2026, at the Rohm Theatre's South Hall, WAIFF Japan welcomes creators from across the globe to showcase their work. This year's edition carries a unique vision, emphasizing that AI is not merely a tool to replace human creativity, but a partner enhancing it. WAIFF fosters conversations around the responsible use of AI in creative fields and serves as a hub for experimental learning and dialogue.

The awards presented will include categories such as Best AI Film, Best AI Animation, Best AI PocketANIME, Best Synopsis plus AI Teaser, and Best AI Commercial, all offering a prize of 1 million yen each. Winning entries may also receive opportunities for official entry and recommendations to WAIFF Cannes 2026, which promises exclusive screenings and networking opportunities with international distributors and producers.

The festival's mission is clear: to create a platform for visionary new talent to present their stories, leveraging AI and uncovering its potential. With this initiative, WAIFF aims to affirm the collaborative creative journey of humanity and AI and invites everyone to experience the multitude of narratives brought to life using this technology. The future of cinema is upon us, and it is more inclusive and expansive than ever.

For additional details on applications and updates, visit the official event website at WORLD AI FILM FESTIVAL 2026 in KYOTO. Join us on social media: @waiff_japan on X and Instagram using the hashtag #waiffjapan.

Event Summary

- Event Name: WORLD AI FILM FESTIVAL 2026 in KYOTO
- Date: March 12-13, 2026
- Venue: South Hall, Rohm Theatre Kyoto, 13 Okazaki Saishojicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8342, Japan
- Organizer: WAIFF JAPAN Executive Committee
- Details on submissions: Check the official website for guidelines and entry forms.

As we welcome the future of filmmaking redefined by the merge of AI and artistic vision, your story may soon be part of this groundbreaking journey.