#United States #Austin #2026 Festival #Austin AI Film Festival #generative cinema

Austin AI Film Festival 2026: A Celebration of Generative Cinema

The Austin AI Film Festival (AAIFF) is gearing up for its second annual event, scheduled for October 16-17, 2026, at The Topfer at Zach Theater in Austin, Texas. This year, the festival is proud to announce its official selections and an impressive lineup of speakers who are set to inspire audiences with insights into the art and technology of filmmaking. As the largest independent AI film festival in the United States, AAIFF is also distinctively the only festival of its kind in Texas.

A Diverse Range of Film Selections

From an impressive pool of over 700 submissions, the Selection Committee has curated a list of 40 films across eleven competitive categories. This eclectic mix includes features, shorts, micro-shorts, music videos, documentaries, series episodes, trailers, avant-garde films, as well as commercial and brand films. This diverse array demonstrates the festival's commitment to showcasing a wide spectrum of creativity and innovative storytelling in the realm of filmmaking.

With the Texas State Legislature's Senate Bill 22 committing $1.5 billion to the state's film incentive program over the next decade, AAIFF's timing couldn't be better. Aaron Sanchez, the founder and president of AAIFF, articulated the festival's vision: "Our mission is to build a physical space where filmmakers, artists, and fans can meet the people making these films and see how the work actually gets made."

Notable Speakers at the Festival

Among the many highlights of this year's event is the lineup of speakers. Featured guests include:

• - Pinar Seyhan Demirdag (Founder & CEO, EVRN)
• - Jason Fisher (Founder & CEO, StageRunner)
• - Henry Daubrez (Founder, Odd Kid)
• - Nik Kleverov (Co-founder, CCO, Native Foreign)
• - Davide Bianca (Co-founder, CCO and CTIO, GRAiL)
• - Jason Zada (Founder, CCO, Secret Level)
• - Rupert Cresswell (Co-founder, CCO, Elevado Studio)
• - Adrienne Lahens (Co-founder & CEO, Infinite Studios)
• - Billy Boman (Founder, Boman Studios)
• - Joni Dobrov (Co-founder, CCO, Exact)
• - C. Sean Yuksel (Founder, GRAFX Co. & Partner, Dreamspace)

This year, an esteemed panel of judges will assess the submissions, including prominent industry figures such as director and cinematographer Louie Schwartzberg, production designer Rick Carter, Fox Entertainment's Jon Flynn, producer and director Sarba Das, journalist and filmmaker Seema Mathur, and generative artist BLVCKL!GHT.

Engaging Programming for Attendees

Programming kicks off with the Global Virtual GenJam Hackathon, a free 48-hour event for creators from around the globe, occurring from October 8 to 10. Winning films from this hackathon will have the opportunity to be screened at the festival.

Day One, designated as the Summit (Friday, October 16), features a keynote address and masterclasses featuring Henry Daubrez, Nik Kleverov, and Joni Dobrov, who will provide a step-by-step look at how their projects were developed. Additional panels will discuss branding, commercial work, and the craft behind hybrid films.

On Day Two, dubbed Screenings and Awards (Saturday, October 17), festival-goers will witness the Official Selection of films on the big screen. This day will also include a fireside chat focused on the future of the industry, culminating in the awards ceremony.

Ticket options include: Screening ($79), Summit ($99), Festival ($149), and an All Access pass ($199), all available at austinaifilmfest.com.

For media press accreditation or interview requests, individuals can reach out via email to [email protected].

About AAIFF

The Austin AI Film Festival is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting community, transparency, and educational opportunities within the realm of generative and hybrid cinema, positioning itself as an essential player in the evolving landscape of film.