Kazakhstani AI Film Festival gathered applications from 90 countries

Tengrinews.kz — Astana is poised to become a hub for next-generation filmmakers. The Astana AI Film Festival (AAIFF) has already received 1,900 applications from over 90 countries.
Global Outreach
The geographic reach of the participants has proven exceptionally broad. The United States leads the field, accounting for 17 percent of all submissions.
India follows in second place with 10 percent, while Kazakhstan rounds out the top three at 8 percent. The top 10 countries by submission volume also include:

South Korea – 5 percent;
China – 5 percent;
United Kingdom – 4 percent;
Russia – 3 percent;
Hong Kong – 3 percent.

Organizers intend for the platform to cement Kazakhstan's status as a significant player on the global map of technological and creative industries.
The Jury
A distinguished international jury will evaluate the participants' work.
The panel notably includes former UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay, China Film Group representative Ma Ping, and Beijing Film Academy expert Wang Hao. Freedom Holding Corp. serves as the event's general partner.
Interest in the project has also surged in China. Following a Kazakhstan-China AI Film Forum held in Beijing, the Astana AI Film Festival Foundation signed a memorandum of understanding with the Chinese company Beijing Zhongguancun Tongli Technology Service Co., Ltd.
The Chinese firm now officially represents the Kazakhstani festival in the PRC.
A Board of Trustees meeting took place today, attended by board members Kuanyshbek Yessekeyev and Raushan Kazhibayeva, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry Zhaslan Madiyev, UNI-Q Group Media Holding Chairman Mukhamedkali Tauan, and project organizers Almas Zhali and Aizatulla Hussein.
The parties reviewed the competition program in detail, along with organizational nuances and the capital's readiness to host international guests.
What to Expect
The Astana AI Film Festival will be held in the capital from October 1 to 3, 2026, as part of Astana AI Week. For the first time, works selected for the official program will be screened for audiences at the Chaplin cinema.
Additionally, the Digital Bridge international forum will host panel sessions, pitchings, workshops, and masterclasses featuring global experts in AI, digital art, and cinematography.
How to Apply
The AAIFF website is accepting applications from creators worldwide until August 15.
The competition accepts short films under one primary condition: they must be "full AI" films. This means neural networks must generate the work entirely, from start to finish. Authors are encouraged to showcase their vision of the future.
Submissions are open in two categories:

"The Future Worth Living In" – the main theme of the season. Participants must present their vision of a desirable future.
Open Section – awards will be presented for best directing, visual language, story, concept, and character.

Time constraints apply: films must be between 3 and 10 minutes in length.
Prize Fund
The total prize pool of $1 million will be distributed across the two categories. For the main theme:

Grand Prix: $450,000 for a single winner.2nd Place: $200,000.3rd Place: $100,000.

In the Open Section, the winner of each category will receive $50,000.