AAIFF 2026 winners share stories behind their AI-generated films

The inaugural Astana AI Film Festival concluded its global competition on October 3, 2026, marking a significant milestone for artificial intelligence in the creative sector. Concluding a multi-day run that began on October 1, 2026, as part of AI Month in Kazakhstan, the event drew massive international interest with thousands of submissions from across the globe. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev took part in the opening ceremony, underscoring the state-level backing behind the gathering in Astana, according to reporting by Jiji Press and Qazinform News Agency.

Organizers initially opened registration with high ambitions, anticipating project pitches and targeting creators utilizing full artificial intelligence production tools rather than traditional post-production editing alone, according to Türkiye Today. By the deadline, the event received 8,067 entries originating from 125 countries. An international panel reviewed the works, including figures such as former UNESCO Director-General and former French Culture Minister Audrey Azoulay, Ma Ping, Wang Hao, Balaji Srinivasan, and Li Long, as reported by Qazinform.

Media additions

The competition highlighted diverse creative voices and distinct storytelling techniques. Kazakh filmmaker Myrzakhan Zhumakhan secured the Best Character prize for his comedy about an escalating domestic dispute between a dog and its owner's brother. Zhumakhan explained that he wanted to keep the story light and entertaining rather than attach a deeper meaning to it, noting that he enjoys pranks and humor.

"I work in the comedy genre. The film tells the story of how a dog and its owner’s brother start fighting because of a simple joke, and eventually everything turns into a serious conflict. I did not set out to convey some complicated or witty message. It is simply a light story that, to some extent, also describes me, because I love pranks and having fun,"

Myrzakhan Zhumakhan, Filmmaker, via Qazinform

Meanwhile, Chinese director Liu Shuheng captured the Best Story award utilizing tools including Seedance 2.5 to adapt themes drawn from an ancient Chinese painting after discussing separation and reunion with a friend. Italian creator Jacopo Zanetti triumphed in the Best Visual category by examining personal choice through a classic office setting, drawing on his background prior to leaving mechanical engineering to pursue cinema. Zanetti reflected on his unexpected triumph, stating he felt like he was living in a fever dream.

In the main thematic track, titled "The Future Worth Living In," Spanish director Ernest Desumbila placed third after completing his entry in just ten days. Desumbila's film follows a cowboy-like robot named Silas traversing a dystopian desert with dolphins acting as unusual adversaries. Indian director Abhik Banerjee took second place with Sitara, focusing on an ordinary employee seeking recognition against difficult odds. The top honor went to Latvian director Nikolay Shestak, whose winning entry blended personal introspection with advanced algorithmic execution. Shestak, a former actor who started directing four years prior and making AI-assisted films two years prior, admitted he had not expected to win given the wide array of genres and incredible films in competition.

Festival co-founders Aizat Kussainov and Almas Zhali emphasized that the event established Astana as a permanent nexus for technology and creative industries. Funding for the massive prize pool and ongoing incubator efforts came in part from the Freedom Shapagat Corporate Foundation of Freedom Holding Corp. As creators depart Kazakhstan to explore local cuisine and cultural sites — with winners planning visits to Almaty and local museums — organizers intend to transition the festival into an annual fixture on the international entertainment calendar, expanding support for local and global digital innovators alike.