Shanghai AI Short Film Festival supported by Jingan Cultural & Travel Bureau, is a global platform that brings together emerging and established filmmakers, groundbreaking technologies, and the evolving art of cinematic storytelling. With a mission to empower creators to explore new tools and narratives, the festival champions bold creative expression, hands-on learning, and cross-industry collaboration. The main event features exclusive short film premieres, thought-provoking seminars and panels, keynote presentations, and showcases by leading technology companies and creators. Throughout the year, the initiative expands its impact with supporting events such as Shanghai AI Short Film Festival and community Meetups, offering more opportunities to engage, inspire, and connect.

Whether you’re a filmmaker, technologist, educator, or simply curious about the future of storytelling, the Shanghai AI Short Film Festival offers a vibrant platform of workshops, screenings, competitions, and networking forums to explore the creative possibilities of AI in cinema. Our vision is to blend the richness of traditional storytelling with the transformative power of emerging technologies. If you’re interested in hosting an AI Short Film Festival or Meetup in your city, the Shanghai AI Short Film Festival team welcomes partnerships to co-create meaningful, locally resonant experiences that fuel this growing global movement. Let’s make something incredible—together.

IMPORTANT DATES

OPENING CEREMONY

Saturday, August 9, 2025

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FILM SUBMISSION DEADLINE

Saturday, September 13, 2025

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SHORT FILM WEEK

October 11-15, 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

Shanghai AI Short Film Festival
October 11–15, 2025

Welcome to the Shanghai AI Short Film Festival, an inspiring five-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
October 11, 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
October 12, 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
October 13, 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
October 14, 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: Awards Ceremony & Closing Night
October 15, 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.

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.