Austin AI Film Festival 2026

​What it is

​The Austin AI Film Festival is built for anyone who loves movies and wants to see how the next generation of cinema is actually made. Across two days, leading AI filmmakers step on stage to show their work: the exact workflows, the technical workarounds, and the creative decisions behind every frame.

​The films will eventually be online, but the explanations won't. In the auditorium at Zach Theater, you will watch the best hybrid and generative shorts of the year on the big screen, then hear directly from the main stage speakers breaking down the craft behind their projects.

​Alongside these creator breakdowns, you get keynotes from the pioneers building the tools, and access to a live creator hackathon running across both days. The Official Selection screens October 17, concluding with our judging panel presenting awards on closing night.

​What we believe

​The most exciting storytelling happening today is coming from creators pushing generative tools past their limits. We believe those filmmakers deserve a platform, and audiences deserve a direct line to how the art gets made.

​AAIFF exists to put these directors in front of the community, creating a room where the work is celebrated on the big screen and the craft is shared openly.

​Who it’s for

​AAIFF is for anyone who wants to see where screen culture is going next:

• ​Film fans and the AI curious who want to watch incredible movies, hear the stories behind them, and experience a great weekend in Austin.

• ​Creators and artists looking to learn real-world workflows from top directors.

• ​Tech pioneers eager to see how storytellers use and break their software.

• ​Studio leads and producers seeking a clear look at how modern visual production is evolving.

​

​Speakers

​Billy Boman — Founder, Billy Boman AI Productions

​Nik Kleverov — Co-founder & CCO, Native Foreign

​Joni Dobrov — Co-Founder & CCO, Exact

​Jason Zada — Founder & CCO, Secret Level

​Davide Bianca — Co-founder & CCO/CTIO, GRAiL

​Francesca Fini — Visual Artist & Filmmaker

​C. Sean Yuksel — Executive Creative Director, Dreamspace

​and more

​Schedule

​Friday: The Summit The how. Keynotes, panels, and live demos, all process. How a shot gets built, where the ideas come from, what failed before it worked. Every session led by someone making these films right now.

​Saturday: The Screenings The lights go down. The year's best films on the big screen at Zach Theatre, with the filmmaker on stage after each one to talk through how it was made. Masterclass workshops run through the day. The night ends with the awards show, celebrating the year's best work with the people who understand what it took.

​The Creator Hackathon A creator hackathon ahead of the main festival. Workshops with the platforms behind the work, live builds, and hands-on time with mentors and peers. The tools in your hands, not just on screen.

​Tickets

​All Access Pass — The best seats in the house, held for you. Front of the room at every session and every screening. First through the door at the masterclasses and networking sessions. Both days, plus the All Access lounge and bar.

​Festival Pass — Both days. Every session, every screening, the masterclasses, and the awards show. Seating is first come, first served.

​Summit Pass — Friday only. Keynotes, panels, and live demos from the people making these films.

​Screening Pass — Saturday only. Films on the big screen, filmmaker interviews, masterclasses, and the awards show.

​Check-in opens before the first session each day.

​Location

​Zach Theatre

​202 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704, USA