WORLD

NEW WAVES OF CREATION

FESTIVAL

A.I.

FILM

CANNES 21-22 AVRIL 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

WAiFF

the road
to Cannes ...

Two major official evenings are scheduled at the Palais des Festivals: the first is open to our international editions in Japan, Korea, China, and Brazil, where WAiFF has set up satellite editions for nationals of the countries concerned. The second evening opens with a grand finale of A.I. creations from around the world.

FEATURED

PEOPLE

President of the
Festival

GONG
LI

ACTRESS

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

HONORARY
PRESIDENT

CLAUDE
LELOUCH

FILM DIRECTOR

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

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. His films blend humor, sensitivity, and social commentary with a profoundly human touch.

AMBASSADOR

JEAN-MICHEL
JARRE

SONGWRITER
PRODUCER

A French composer and producer, a 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 the history of 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 and socially conscious film about youth and social tensions. Moving between arthouse cinema and mainstream productions, his direct style has left a lasting impression on French cinema.

JURY & PROTALK
SPEAKER

KAVAN
CARDOZA

FILM DIRECTOR

American director and visual artist based in Los Angeles, known as Kavan the Kid. He blends traditional filmmaking with AI technologies, notably creating 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 Marriot Hotel, all englobed in the unique lifestyle of the French Rivera.

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

THE

AWARDS

submit your

a.I. film

Applications are open until February 27, 2026.

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

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 in each country. These finalists travel to Cannes for the Grand Finale at the Palais des Festivals, competing with creators worldwide. Each nation brings its culture, vision, and creative identity to the global stage.