A new AI filmmaking event is coming to the United States.
The Chicago AI Film Festival will take place on April 18, 2026 at the Reva & David Logan Center for the Arts at the University of Chicago, bringing together filmmakers, creators and technologists exploring the future of storytelling.
The event is organized by Playground Pastime and aims to introduce a broader audience to the rapidly growing world of AI-powered filmmaking.
An Afternoon Dedicated to AI Storytelling
Rather than positioning itself as a traditional film festival, the Chicago AI Film Festival is designed as a focused gathering around one topic: how artificial intelligence is transforming cinema.
The program includes four and a half hours of programming, featuring:
• A curated showcase of AI-generated short films
• Conversations with filmmakers and festival judges
• A workshop exploring AI filmmaking tools
• Networking opportunities for creators and innovators
The goal is simple: bring together people experimenting with the next generation of visual storytelling.
A Growing Global Movement
Over the past year, AI filmmaking events have started appearing around the world, from Europe to Asia.
Chicago now joins that growing ecosystem with a festival designed to connect filmmakers, technologists and curious audiences interested in where cinema is heading next.
For creators working with AI tools, these events are becoming important meeting points where experimentation, discussion and collaboration happen in the same room.
SHAIKE Supporting the Event
SHAIKE is joining the festival as a Technology Partner, helping support the growing community of AI filmmakers.
As a platform dedicated to highlighting the most inspiring AI films and creators around the world, supporting initiatives like this is part of building a stronger ecosystem for the medium.
Tickets Now Available
Tickets for the Chicago AI Film Festival are now available.
The festival will take place on April 18, 2026 in Chicago.
