Technology consultancy Reply has launched the Reply AI Film Festival, a global competition designed to bridge the gap between artificial intelligence experts and the international film industry by showcasing short films created with AI tools.
Now in its 2026 edition, the festival invites AI practitioners, filmmakers and multidisciplinary teams to submit short films that explore how generative models, machine learning and other AI technologies can be used in storytelling, visual effects, sound design and narrative experimentation. The competition aims to highlight emerging talent at the intersection of technology and cinema, while encouraging responsible and creative uses of AI in audiovisual production.
A jury composed of directors, technology specialists and AI pioneers has been assembled to evaluate submissions and select the festival’s winners. The panel is tasked with assessing both the technical innovation and artistic merit of the entries, reflecting the dual focus of the competition on cinematic quality and AI experimentation.
The three winning projects will be announced during a special premiere event in Venice, hosted by Reply and its premiere partner Mastercard, in conjunction with the 83rd Venice International Film Festival. Finalists will be invited to attend the event, where their works will be screened for an audience of industry professionals, media and technology leaders. Mastercard’s involvement underscores the competition’s aim to connect emerging creative technologists with broader cultural and commercial ecosystems.
In addition to the main competition, the Reply AI Film Festival features a range of partners across the AI and creative sectors, including a premiere partner, premium partner, AI technical partner and community partners. These collaborations are intended to provide finalists with access to tools, platforms and networks that can support further development of their projects and careers.
The festival also maintains an archive of past editions, allowing visitors to review earlier entries and trace how AI-assisted filmmaking has evolved over time. By documenting previous winners and notable projects, Reply aims to build a growing reference point for practitioners interested in the possibilities and limits of AI in visual storytelling.
Organisers say the initiative responds to rapid advances in generative video, image and audio models, which are increasingly being adopted by independent creators and major studios alike. As AI tools become more accessible, the festival seeks to establish a space where technical experimentation is paired with narrative discipline, ethical reflection and cinematic craft.