The Shanghai AI Short Film Festival (SAISFF) is a global platform at the intersection of cinema and emerging technology, bringing together visionary filmmakers, creative technologists, and industry leaders to explore the future of storytelling. With a mission to empower creators, SAISFF features AI-assisted film premieres, hands-on workshops, keynote talks, and panels that promote bold experimentation and cross-industry collaboration. The festival also engages students, educators, and local communities through year-round Meetups and events, fostering a vibrant network where traditional storytelling meets the transformative power of artificial intelligence, narratives, the festival champions bold creative expression, hands-on learning, and cross-industry collaboration.  The main event features exclusive short film premieres, thought-provoking seminars and panels, keynote presentations, and showcases by leading technology companies and creators. University students and faculty also take part—joining as filmmakers, volunteers, panelists, and attendees—adding fresh perspectives and fostering meaningful connections between academia and industry.  Throughout the year, the organization holds supporting events including community Meetups, offering more opportunities to engage, inspire, and connect.  Whether you’re a filmmaker, technologist, educator, student, or simply curious about the future of storytelling, the SAISFF offers a vibrant platform of workshops, screenings, competitions, and networking forums to explore the creative possibilities of AI in cinema. Our vision is to blend the richness of traditional storytelling with the transformative power of emerging technologies.  If you’re interested in hosting an AI Short Film Festival or Meetup in your city, the SAISFF team welcomes partnerships to co-create meaningful, locally resonant experiences that fuel this growing global movement.

IMPORTANT DATES

FILM SUBMISSION DEADLINE

Saturday, August 22, 2025

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AWARDS SHOW

August 28, 2025 (5:30-9:00PM)

WHY ATTEND?

  • Be at the Forefront of Innovation – Discover groundbreaking AI applications in filmmaking.

  • Expand Your Network – Meet like-minded professionals and decision-makers.
  • Showcase Your Work – Present your AI-powered films to an engaged audience.

  • Gain Industry Insights – Learn from experts about AI’s role in the future of cinema.

  • Keynote Sessions & Panels – Discussions on AI trends, ethics, and future innovations with industry experts.

  • Film Screenings & Competitions – Featuring short films that integrate AI storytelling techniques.
  • Networking & B2B Meetings – Opportunities to connect with industry professionals, innovators, and decision-makers.

  • Workshops & Demonstrations – Hands-on AI filmmaking experiences with leading experts.

RUNDOWN

Event Rundown – SAISFF Awards Show

August 28, 2025 | 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM

5:30 PM – 6:30 PM – Red Carpet Arrival, Media Wall & Welcome Drinks (60 minutes)

  • Guests arrive and walk the red carpet for photos

  • Media coverage and social media live-stream (if applicable)

  • Welcome drinks and light refreshments served

  • Background music or live acoustic performance

  • Networking and mingling among guests, speakers, and filmmakers

6:30 PM – 6:40 PM – Opening Speeches & Film Screening (10 minutes)

  • 6:30 PM – Founder Michael J. Rosenthal – Welcome Speech

  • 6:32 PM – Patrick, Leon, and Ai Wan – Opening Remarks

  • 6:35 PM – M.A.D. Film Screening & Filmmakers Introduction

  • 6:38 PM – Speech by Creative Fitting CEO

6:40 PM – 6:50 PM – Keynote Speeches (10 minutes)

  • Introduced by Ai Wan and Leon

  • Two keynote speakers, 5 minutes each

  • Topics: imagination, innovation, and the role of AI in filmmaking

6:50 PM – 7:25 PM – Festival Selected Screenings (Part I: 35 minutes)

  • Ai Wan invites one jury member on stage to present screenings

  • Showcase of selected festival films (final number and length to be decided)

7:25 PM – 7:45 PM – Awards & Special Recognition (20 minutes)

7:45 PM – 7:50 PM – Closing Remarks by Co-Founders (5 minutes)

  • Each delivers personal thanks and comments (60–90 seconds each)

  • Announcement of SAISFF LAB and next festival dates

7:50 PM – 9:00 PM – Celebration & Networking (70 minutes)

  • Toast and thank-you acknowledgments

  • Group photo on stage or red carpet

  • Final networking session with drinks, music, and celebration

AWARDS

  • Best Picture
  • Best Horizontal
  • Best Vertical
  • Best Directing
  • Best Screenplay
  • Best Editing
  • Best Music
  • Best Sound Design
  • Best Visuals
  • Best AI FX
  • Best Documentary
  • Special Recognition: Female Team
  • Special Recognition: International Team
  • Special Recognition: Shanghai Team