The 2025 HAI Short Film Week will take place in Shanghai, China, in April, 2025.  Serving as a global celebration of AI in filmmaking. Designed to showcase the creative potential of artificial intelligence while bridging the gap between technology and traditional storytelling methods, the festival offers a dynamic platform for both emerging talent and accomplished filmmakers. By bringing together filmmakers, AI enthusiasts, industry professionals, and audiences from around the world, the event fosters a collaborative space where innovation thrives and storytelling boundaries are redefined. With a mission to empower filmmakers to explore AI tools, the festival encourages experimentation, learning, and sharing of cutting-edge techniques, fostering global collaboration and inspiring participants to drive technological innovation in cinema. Born from a vision to unite creativity and technology, the festival not only celebrates achievements in AI-enhanced filmmaking but also highlights groundbreaking projects that push the boundaries of what’s possible in the cinematic arts.

IMPORTANT DATES

OPENING CEREMONY

Saturday, April 5, 2025

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FILM SUBMISSION DEADLINE

Saturday, May 24, 2025

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SHORT FILM WEEK

June 3-8, 2025

WHY ATTEND?

  • Be at the Forefront of Innovation – Discover groundbreaking AI applications in filmmaking.

  • Expand Your Network – Meet like-minded professionals and decision-makers.

  • Showcase Your Work – Present your AI-powered films to an engaged audience.

  • Gain Industry Insights – Learn from experts about AI’s role in the future of cinema.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Keynote Sessions & Panels – Discussions on AI trends, ethics, and future innovations with industry experts.

  • Film Screenings & Competitions – Featuring short films that integrate AI storytelling techniques.
  • Networking & B2B Meetings – Opportunities to connect with industry professionals, innovators, and decision-makers.

  • Workshops & Demonstrations – Hands-on AI filmmaking experiences with leading experts.

RUNDOWN

Hybrid AI Short Film Week
June 3-8, 2025

Welcome to the Hybrid AI Short Film Week, an inspiring six-day event celebrating the intersection of creativity, storytelling, and artificial intelligence. Here’s the detailed rundown of activities for this groundbreaking festival:

Day 1: Opening Night

June 3, 2025

  • 5:00 PM – Registration & Welcome Reception
    Meet fellow filmmakers, AI specialists, and festival attendees over refreshments.
  • 6:30 PM – Festival Kickoff & Keynote Address
    A keynote from a visionary in AI filmmaking, setting the tone for the week.
  • 7:30 PM – Opening Film Screening
    Exclusive premiere of a feature film blending traditional and AI techniques.
  • 9:00 PM – Networking Mixer

Day 2: Screenings & Discussions

June 4, 2025

  • 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Without AI Film Showcase
    Screenings of films created entirely without AI, celebrating human creativity.
  • 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM: Lunch Break
  • 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM: Panel Discussion with Filmmakers
    A deep dive into the traditional filmmaking process with directors.
  • 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM: Fully AI Film Showcase
    Showcasing films created entirely using AI tools, followed by Q&A with creators.

Day 3: Training Sessions

June 5, 2025

  • 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Workshop 1 – “AI Tools for Filmmakers”
    Hands-on training with AI platforms for editing, scriptwriting, and VFX.
  • 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM: Lunch Break
  • 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM: Workshop 2 – “Blending Human Creativity with AI”
    Learn techniques for integrating AI into traditional workflows.
  • 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM: Networking Dinner

Day 4: Partially AI Showcase & Expert Panels

June 6, 2025

  • 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Partially AI Film Showcase
    Films blending human creativity with AI enhancements.
  • 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM: Lunch Break
  • 2:30 PM – 5:00 PM: Panel – “AI Ethics & Creativity in Filmmaking”
    Discussing ethical considerations and future implications with AI specialists.
  • 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM: Sponsor Spotlights & Networking Mixer
    Engage with sponsors and industry leaders, featuring product demos and giveaways.

Day 5: Industry Day

June 7, 2025

  • 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Roundtable Discussions
    Topics include financing AI-driven projects, navigating AI regulations, and distribution strategies.
  • 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM: Lunch Break
  • 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM: “Future of AI in Filmmaking” Panel
    Industry leaders and futurists share their insights.
  • 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM: Networking Happy Hour

Day 6: Awards Ceremony & Closing Night

June 8, 2025

  • 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM: Final Screenings – Audience Favorites
    Encore screenings of the most popular films from each category.
  • 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM: Lunch Break
  • 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Awards Ceremony
    Honoring excellence in three categories: Without AI, Fully AI, and Partially AI, alongside special awards for innovation, audience choice, and more.
  • 6:00 PM – Closing Party
    Celebrate the end of the festival with music, refreshments, and final networking opportunities.

Join us for this transformative week and be part of shaping the future of storytelling at the Hybrid AI Short Film Week!

AUDIENCE

HAISFW attracts a diverse range of attendees, including:

  • Industry Leaders & Executives – AI and technology professionals, startup founders, and film industry executives.

  • Creative Professionals – Directors, producers, and digital artists exploring AI filmmaking tools.

  • Investors & Innovators – Looking for the next big opportunity in AI-driven storytelling.

AWARDS

The festival will feature diverse award categories, including

  • Best Short Film
  • Best AI-Generated Content
  • Best Visual Effects (VFX)
  • Best Screenplay
  • Best Director
  • Audience Choice Award
  • Best Experimental Film
  • Best Use of AI in Storytelling

This hybrid judging system ensures that films are recognized for both artistic excellence and innovative use of technology, celebrating the evolving intersection of cinema and artificial intelligence. In recognition of outstanding achievements, the festival will offer prestigious prizes and awards, supported by esteemed sponsors committed to advancing the future of filmmaking.