For the first time, Kazakhstan is set to host an
international film festival featuring works created using artificial
intelligence. Applications will open in May and run until the end of August.
The Astana AI Film Festival (AAIFF 2026) is scheduled for this autumn and aims to become one
of the world’s leading platforms in its field. The centerpiece of the event
will be an international competition of AI-generated short films, open to
creators from around the world. Entries must not exceed 10 minutes in duration.
The festival will bring together filmmakers, digital creators, technology
companies, investors, and industry experts. Alongside film screenings, the
program will include conferences on AI content and pitch sessions for creators.
The total prize fund will be $1 million. Organizers note that the project is
designed to become an annual international platform showcasing new formats and
emerging talent in the creative industries.
«Film, actors, music, cinematography, and animation
must all be created exclusively using AI platforms — this is a core requirement. In addition, under
national legislation, scenes of violence and the use of obscene language are
strictly regulated. In all other respects, creative ideas are welcome. One of
the jury members will be an AI system. When content is uploaded, the system
will automatically identify what music has been used and whose face or ideas
may have been involved, and report this information,» said Almas Zhali, organizer of AAIFF 2026.
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