AIFA Awards 2025
Honouring pioneering filmmakers using AI to reshape the global film industry
From China to Canada, the UK to Senegal, the AIFA Awards reveal a new generation of filmmakers using AI-powered storytelling to challenge the big studios. At a time when AI poses a very real threat to creativity and livelihoods in film and entertainment, AIFA champions those who use the same technologies to fight back.
"The core issue is the incredibly high barrier to entry in traditional filmmaking. The costs associated with equipment, crews, locations, and post-production are simply prohibitive for most aspiring Senegalese filmmakers. With synthetic production, I can democratise access to high‑end visual storytelling and position authentic African narratives on the global stage."
Hussein Dembel Sow, filmmaker from Senegal and AIFA Awards finalistThe AIFA Awards will be announced at a VIP event at art'otel London Hoxton on 19 July. After scouring films at over 30 AIFA-qualifying festivals, three themes have emerged: Digital Futures, War & Conflict, and Memory & Afterlife. 14 Finalists have been selected to showcase these themes, representing talent from Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe and North America (full list of finalists).
Awards for Best Film, Innovation, Narrative, Visuals and Sound are determined by a jury of industry experts, including SXSW Winner Pinny Grylls and fashion film pioneer Diane Pernet (full jury). Winners will be supported in financing, distribution and community building through partnerships with Sedition (seditionart.com) and SMASH Media (mysmash.media).
"At AIFA, we're exploring how emerging technologies, including AI, can support not just the creation of work but the ecosystems around that work. The more we live in an online, 24/7 world, the more important it is to create infrastructures of care and connection. It is vital to ensure that innovation leads to inclusion and that the future of creative tech is equitable, especially for the artist."
Leo Crane, co-founder of AIFA VenturesAs well as a screening and panel discussion, the event will feature digital art displays curated by Factory 4. Using art'otel's immersive projections and Muse Frame's fine art screens, guests will experience experimental new work, exploring the themes of the awards in greater depth. Artists include Zhannet Popobed, Akane Hiraoka and Flux the Artist (more info on digital art displays).
Contact for media enquiries
Clare Maguire, NOPRBLM
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Notes to Editors
For full details on the AIFA Awards 2025 events, including finalists and featured artists, please visit: www.aifaventures.com/events
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About AIFA Ventures
AIFA celebrates a positive future for entertainment with the world's premier awards for AI-powered creativity. Based in the UK, we are developing a creative tech innovation hub, partnering with cultural institutions to build educational tools and tech-confident communities. This is our mission: to open up access to creativity and draw out incredible storytelling from all parts of the world.
About art'otel
A contemporary hotel and arts venue in the heart of London's vibrant Shoreditch district. This stunning venue combines modern design with artistic flair, providing the perfect backdrop for our celebration of innovation in AI-generated filmmaking and digital art.
About Factory 4
Factory 4 is a nomadic, artist-led gallery founded by Paul Dowling and Olena Yara. It has hosted several digital art exhibitions in London and Lisbon, with a focus on empowering artists and showcasing their work to wider audiences. Featured artists at the AIFA Awards 2025 include Zhannet Podobed, Akane Hiraoka and Flux the Artist (more details).
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