WORLD NEW WAVES OF CREATION FESTIVAL A.I. FILM CANNES 21-22 APRIL 2026 PALAIS DES FESTIVALS COMPETITIONS PUSH THE LIMITS SURPRISE US. SUBMIT YOUR FILM PRO TALKS GET INSPIRED AND EXPLORE 2026 TO INNOVATE GET TICKETS WAIFF WORLDWIDE SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - MARCH 6–7 KYOTO, JAPAN - MARCH 12–13 CHINA - MARCH 25–30 CANNES, FRANCE
GRAND FINALE: APRIL 21-22
SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL - FEBRUARY 27–28 2026

WAiFF 2026

Next Edition in Cannes

Two major official evenings are scheduled at the Palais des Festivals: the first features entries from our international editions in Japan, Korea, China, and Brazil, where WAiFF has established satellite festivals for filmmakers from these countries. The second evening concludes with a grand finale showcasing A.I. creations from around the world.

FEATURED

PEOPLE

President of the
Festival

GONG
LI

ACTRESS

An iconic Chinese actress and major figure in international cinema, Gong Li is world-renowned for her roles in Zhang Yimou's films. Moving between arthouse and big-budget productions, her magnetic presence has profoundly influenced the global film landscape.

HONORARY
PRESIDENT

CLAUDE
LELOUCH

FILM DIRECTOR

Leading French director and producer Claude Lelouch is known worldwide for A Man and a Woman. A living witness to cinema history, he has continually explored themes of love, chance, and emotion—now venturing into the new frontiers of A.I.

President of the
JURY

AGNÈS
JAOUI

ACTRESS
FILM DIRECTOR
SCREENWRITTER

A major French director, screenwriter, and actress, Agnès Jaoui explores human relationships and the unspoken aspects of everyday life with subtlety. Her films blend humor, sensitivity, and social commentary with a profoundly human touch.

AMBASSADOR

JEAN-MICHEL
JARRE

SONGWRITER
PRODUCER

French composer, producer, and pioneer of electronic music Jean-Michel Jarre is known for Oxygène and Equinoxe. He blends music, technology, and immersive performances, leaving a lasting influence on electronic music worldwide.

PROTALK
SPEAKER

MATHIEU
KASSOVITZ

ACTOR
FILM DIRECTOR
PRODUCER

French actor and director Mathieu Kassovitz made his mark with La Haine, a cult classic exploring youth and social tensions. Moving between arthouse and mainstream productions, his direct, uncompromising style has left a lasting impression on French cinema.

JURY & PROTALK
SPEAKER

KAVAN
CARDOZA

FILM DIRECTOR

Based in Los Angeles, American director and visual artist Kavan the Kid blends traditional filmmaking with A.I. technologies. He has created short films like Echo Hunter and generative trailers that have garnered a wide audience.

CANNES

THE WORLD STAGE OF A.I. CINEMA

Awards at the Palais des Festivals, Pro Talks at the Espace Miramar, public screenings at the Cinéma Les Arcades, and high-level networking at the Marriott Hotel – all set against in the unique lifestyle of the French Riviera.

KEY DATES IN

CANNES

27/02 CALL FOR ENTRIES CLOSING

23/03 Finalists Announcement

21/04 cannes festival opening

Opening Gala • Film Screenings • Awards • A.I. Concert • Pro Talks

22/04 cannes festival closing

Closing Gala • Film Screenings • Awards • Pro Talks

Applications are open until February 27, 2026

Check the complete regulations and prepare your application before submitting your project.

WORLDWIDE

WAiFF

2026

THE ROAD TO CANNES

The Road to Cannes is WAiFF’s global journey. International editions select the five best A.I.-driven films from each country. These finalists travel to Cannes for the Grand Finale at the Palais des Festivals, competing with creators from around the world. Each nation brings its unique culture, vision, and creative identity to the global stage.

WAIFF BRASIL

SÃO PAULO
27/28 February

WAIFF KOREA

SEOUL
6/7 March

WAIFF JAPAN

KYOTO
12/13 March

WAIFF CHINA

WUXI
20/21 March

LASTEST

NEWS