The Austin AI Film Festival (AAIFF) returns for its second edition on October 16–17, 2026, bringing filmmakers, creators and industry professionals together at ZACH Theatre in Austin, Texas.
Built around the idea of going “Deep Into the Craft,” the festival invites audiences to discover not only some of the year’s standout hybrid and generative films, but also how the filmmakers behind them actually made their work.
Two Days Dedicated to the Craft
The 2026 programme is structured around two distinct days.
Day One: The Summit will focus on the filmmaking process, with keynotes, panels and masterclasses led by people and platforms actively shaping the field.
Day Two: The Screenings will put the films and filmmakers at the centre. The Official Selection and other standout works will be screened in blocks, followed by filmmakers sharing how their projects were created. The festival concludes with its awards show.
Ahead of the in-person festival, AAIFF will also host a virtual GenJam during the preceding weekend, featuring workshops, live builds and opportunities to learn alongside peers and mentors.
A Meeting Point for AI Filmmaking
Austin AI Film Festival brings together a community spanning directors, writers, producers, editors, animators, VFX artists, brand and advertising creatives, and technologists.
Its mission is clear: to showcase bold creators using AI to build richer experiences for their audiences.
This year’s speaker lineup includes Billy Boman, Pinar Demirdag, Nik Kleverov, Henry Daubrez, Joni Dobrov, Jason Fisher, Davide Bianca, Adrienne Lahens, Jason Zada, Rupert Cresswell, Francesca Fini and C. Sean Yuksel.
MEET THE SPEAKERS
This year’s speaker lineup includes Billy Boman, Pinar Demirdag, Nik Kleverov, Henry Daubrez, Joni Dobrov, Jason Fisher, Davide Bianca, Adrienne Lahens, Jason Zada, Rupert Cresswell, Francesca Fini and C. Sean Yuksel.
An Industry Jury
The 2026 jury brings together professionals from film, television, production design, journalism and generative filmmaking.
The announced judges include Louie Schwartzberg, Sarba Das, Jon Flynn, Rick Carter, Seema Mathur and BLVCKL!GHT.
Among them is two-time Oscar-winning production designer Rick Carter, whose credits include Avatar, Lincoln, Jurassic Park, Forrest Gump, The Fabelmans and Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Austin AI Film Festival on SHAIKE
As part of SHAIKE’s mission to connect creators with AI film festivals and opportunities around the world, the Austin AI Film Festival 2026 is now featured on SHAIKE Events.
The festival takes place October 16–17 at ZACH Theatre in Austin, Texas, with tickets currently available through the festival.
