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

BEIJING - APRIL 15

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.

WAiFF
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.

PRO TALKS
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 & PRO TALKS
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.

pro talks
SPEAKER

NATHALIE
MARCHAK

SCREENWRITER
DIRECTOR

Nathalie Marchak is a screenwriter and director (Par Instinct, Les Siffleurs). Vice-President of the ARP and member of the OpenAI Artist Program (2026), she explores the convergence between traditional cinema and generative AI.

PRO TALKS
SPEAKER

JOANNA
POPPER

MEDIA TECH EXEC
PRODUCER

Joanna Popper est une productrice et dirigeante primée, spécialisée dans les projets mêlant prises de vue réelles et IA. Ses œuvres immersives ont été présentées à Sundance, Venise, Tribeca et SXSW, remportant plusieurs distinctions dont un Lion d’Or VR. Cofondatrice de SatireAI, elle a produit plus de 30 courts métrages primés et occupé des postes chez CAA, NBCUniversal, HP et Singularity University.

JURY & PRO TALKS
SPEAKER

ELENA
LYUBARSKAYA

SCREENWRITER
PRODUCER

Elena Lyubarskaya is a screenwriter, producer, and founder of The Difference Machine, a Berlin-based company. She has worked on Pauline (Disney+, nominated for the Grimme Prize), City of Blood (Disney+), and Frankfurter Files (ZDF). She explores AI as a creative infrastructure, notably with The Place Beyond, an immersive storytelling project that won an ONX Studio Award.

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 February CALL FOR ENTRIES CLOSING

23 March Finalists Announcement

21 April cannes festival opening

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

22 April cannes festival closing

Closing Gala • Film Screenings • Awards • Pro Talks

THE

AWARDS

submit your

a.I. film

Applications are open until 27 February 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.