Opening Date February 09 2026
Submission until April 15 2026
Cinema Shift Festival is a curated film festival dedicated to narrative, story-driven cinema created through AI-assisted and hybrid production processes. The inaugural edition takes place on June 5 in Toronto, at the Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema, bringing selected films to a theatrical screen and live audience.
Event schedule
Cinema Shift Festival presents a curated program of narrative film screenings and conversations examining the use of AI in contemporary cinema.
The full program and screening schedule will be announced in May.
Awards
Best AI Narrative Film
Films where AI tools form the core of the production process and output, with AI-generated or AI-directed visual, audio, or other elements comprising the majority of the final work, while emphasizing strong human-driven storytelling, character development, and intentional narrative structure.
Best Hybrid Film (AI + Traditional Production)
Films where traditional production methods (live-action, conventional animation, or standard filmmaking techniques) dominate, with AI used selectively to enhance specific elements.
Best Canadian AI Narrative Film
An award recognizing outstanding Canadian AI-assisted narrative filmmaking.
Jury Special Mentions
The jury may award Special Mentions at its sole discretion to recognize outstanding achievement, innovation, or artistic contribution. These are not open submission categories and carry no obligation for annual presentation.