Mumbai: The International Film Festival of India (IFFI), in collaboration with LTIMindtree (LTIM) and the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, has announced the launch of India’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI) Film Festival and Hackathon. The landmark initiative will be held from November 20 to 28, 2025, as part of the 56th edition of IFFI in Goa.
Since its inception in 1952, IFFI has served as a global hub for cinematic excellence and cross-cultural dialogue. With this new collaboration, IFFI marks a bold step forward in embracing innovation — bridging cinema and emerging technologies to redefine the future of storytelling. Through LTIMindtree’s BlueVerse CraftStudio and NFDC, the initiative aims to empower filmmakers, technologists, and creators to explore the potential of AI in film production, narrative design, and creative expression.
Speaking about the initiative, Shekhar Kapur, Festival Director, IFFI and Jury Chair of the IFFI AI Film Festival, said, “Cinema has always reflected the power of human imagination. Today, AI gives us a new lens that expands our ability to dream, design, and express. The IFFI AI Film Festival will be a playground for that evolution.”
Dr. Sujay Sen, Executive Vice President & Global Head of Interactive Services, LTIMindtree, added, “At LTIMindtree, we believe the future of storytelling lies at the confluence of human creativity and AI. Through this collaboration, we are proud to create a platform that nurtures innovation and brings the magic of AI to India’s creative economy.”
Prakash Magdum, Managing Director, NFDC, stated, “As India’s leading platform for cinematic excellence, IFFI has always celebrated emerging voices and technologies. Partnering with LTIMindtree and Shekhar Kapur allows us to extend this creative legacy into the world of AI responsibly, inclusively, and with a vision for global collaboration.”
The AI Film Festival and Hackathon will feature an AI Film Showcase presenting AI-generated works across fiction, documentary, animation, and experimental genres. A 48-hour Hackathon will invite developers and storytellers to build AI-powered cinematic tools, while workshops and masterclasses will explore topics such as AI in film production, ethical storytelling, and creative innovation.
In addition, global tie-ups with international AI film festivals will foster collaboration and recognition for India’s emerging AI storytellers — positioning IFFI as a pioneering force at the intersection of art, technology, and imagination.
