In a landmark move that signals the Indian film industry's growing engagement with artificial intelligence, technology consulting giant LTIMindtree has partnered with the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) and the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) to launch the country's first AI Film Festival.[1] Set to take place during the 56th edition of IFFI in Goa from November 20 to 28, 2025, this pioneering event aims to be a crucible for exploring and celebrating the intersection of cinematic art and emerging technologies.[1][2][3] The festival is poised to not only showcase the creative possibilities unlocked by AI but also to foster a deeper conversation about its transformative potential within the landscape of Indian and global cinema.

The introduction of an AI-centric film festival comes at a time when artificial intelligence is already making significant inroads into various facets of filmmaking. From pre-production processes like script analysis and storyboarding to the automation of complex visual effects and editing tasks, AI tools are increasingly being adopted by filmmakers in India and across the world to enhance efficiency and expand creative horizons. This new festival provides a dedicated platform to acknowledge and critically examine these developments, positioning India at the forefront of the global dialogue on AI-driven cinematic innovation.[1] Renowned filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, who will serve as the festival director and jury chair, has described the initiative as a "playground" for the evolution of cinema, emphasizing that AI offers a new lens to expand the human capacity to "dream, design, and express."[1][3]

The festival is designed as a multi-faceted event, featuring a film showcase, a competitive hackathon, and a series of educational workshops and masterclasses.[4] The film showcase will screen AI-generated works across a range of categories, including fiction, documentary, animation, and experimental films, offering a glimpse into the diverse narrative and aesthetic possibilities of this nascent field.[1][4] While specific submission guidelines and prize details have not yet been fully disclosed, the inclusion of such a broad spectrum of genres indicates a commitment to exploring the full creative gamut of AI in storytelling. The selection and evaluation of these films will be a crucial aspect, setting a precedent for how AI-generated cinematic work is judged and valued.

A central component of the festival will be a 48-hour hackathon, designed to challenge creators and developers to build innovative AI-powered storytelling tools.[5][4] This hands-on event is expected to attract a mix of filmmakers, technologists, and innovators, fostering a collaborative environment for experimentation and the development of new creative applications for AI in cinema. The hackathon underscores the festival's commitment to not just showcasing existing work but also actively cultivating the next generation of tools and talent in the AI filmmaking space. Complementing the competitive elements will be a series of workshops and masterclasses focused on topics such as AI in film production, the ethics of AI-driven storytelling, and creative technology.[5][4] These educational sessions are expected to provide a crucial forum for discussion and learning, addressing both the practical applications and the ethical considerations of integrating AI into the creative process. The schedule includes a dialogue between IFFI Festival Director Shekhar Kapur and Berlinale Festival Director Tricia Tuttle on redefining cinema in the age of AI.[6]

The collaboration between LTIMindtree, IFFI, and the NFDC is a strategic alliance that brings together expertise from the technology, film, and public sectors. LTIMindtree's involvement, particularly through its LTIMindtree BlueVerse CraftStudio, highlights the corporate sector's growing interest in the creative applications of AI. The partnership aims to create a pioneering platform that empowers filmmakers and creators to experiment with AI, thereby nurturing innovation within India's creative economy. For IFFI, an institution that has been a cornerstone of Indian cinema since 1952, this new initiative represents a bold step towards embracing technological advancements while continuing its legacy of celebrating cinematic excellence.[1] The NFDC's role further solidifies the festival's foundation, ensuring that this exploration of AI in cinema is conducted responsibly and inclusively, with a vision for global collaboration.[1]

In conclusion, the launch of India's first AI Film Festival by LTIMindtree and IFFI marks a significant milestone in the country's cinematic journey. By providing a platform for showcasing, developing, and discussing AI-powered filmmaking, the festival is set to catalyze innovation and position India as a key player in this rapidly evolving field. As filmmakers and technologists converge in Goa, the festival will not only celebrate the creative potential of artificial intelligence but also spark critical conversations that will undoubtedly shape the future of storytelling. The success of this inaugural event could pave the way for a new era of filmmaking in India, one where the confluence of human creativity and artificial intelligence unlocks new and exciting narrative frontiers.