AI-generated films included in an Oscar-qualifying festival for the first time

AI-generated films included in an Oscar-qualifying festival for the first time

The Bengaluru International Short Film Festival (BISFF) in India, one of the film festivals that qualifies entries for the Academy Awards (Oscars), has expanded the competition program for its 16th edition.

For the first time, the festival will introduce dedicated sections for AI-generated films and screendance—a genre that combines dance and cinematography.

According to the organizers, the festival has received a record 3,340 submissions from more than 100 countries this year. More than 5,000 delegates and over 1,000 filmmakers are expected to participate.

The festival will also launch its first-ever AI Films Competition, featuring films created with artificial intelligence as well as works exploring the role of AI in storytelling and film production.

BISFF 2026 will be held August 14–16 in Bengaluru, with an online edition running from August 6 to 16.