Greece Launches First AI Film Festival With Cash Prizes and International Screenings

Greece is preparing to host its first international film festival dedicated to artificial intelligence, with filmmakers gathering in Athens on Friday 6 November 2026 for a programme of AI-generated cinema, industry discussions and an awards ceremony.

AI Filmfest Athens will take place at The Ellinikon Experience Centre under the theme Myths Meet Machine, bringing together artists and technology specialists exploring how artificial intelligence can be used to create moving images and develop original stories.

Founded by Christina Duxa, the festival will feature three short-film screening sessions alongside presentations examining the creative and practical challenges involved in making films with emerging technology.

Competition Requires Films Created Entirely With AI

One of the festival's most distinctive features is its strict approach to competition entries, which must be created entirely using artificial intelligence rather than combining traditional live-action footage with generated sequences.

Films entering the main competition must run between three and fifteen minutes, with both their visual and audio content generated through AI tools. Conventionally filmed material is not permitted, although filmmakers can use editing and sound-mixing tools to assemble their generated work.

The rules also require films to have been completed after 1 January 2025, while productions in languages other than English must include English subtitles.

Although submissions closed in October, selected productions will be screened during the inaugural event before the winners are announced.

Three Awards Recognise AI Filmmaking

The main Best AI Film award carries a €1,000 cash prize, with judges examining storytelling, creative achievement and how effectively artificial intelligence has been used.

An additional €1,000 Pioneer Award will recognise an outstanding contribution to AI cinema, while the Lifestyle Award will focus on AI-generated advertising involving architecture, product design and commercial presentation.

The Lifestyle Award comes with a trophy and partner tool credits, reflecting the festival's interest in how AI is being adopted outside conventional narrative filmmaking.

All award recipients will be recognised during the closing ceremony, which begins at 6pm.

Film Screenings and Industry Discussions

The programme opens at 10am with an introduction to Myths Meet Machine, followed by a presentation examining the creation of TALOS.

Further sessions will explore the practical stages of AI filmmaking, including the process of developing an initial concept into a completed production.

A panel titled From Idea to AI Film will examine workflows, creative decisions and the tools being used by filmmakers, while Beyond the Algorithm will focus on wider questions surrounding the role of technology in artistic expression.

Alongside the three screening sessions, the festival will feature a live 3D performance titled When Gods Drink, Myths Come Alive, an international film premiere and a discussion highlighting women working in AI.

The event will be held at The Ellinikon Experience Centre, a renovated aircraft hangar within the former Athens airport site that forms part of a major regeneration project.

How to Attend AI Filmfest Athens

AI Filmfest Athens takes place on Friday 6 November 2026, running from 10am until approximately 6.30pm local time.

Full-day tickets cost €99 and provide access to the screenings, presentations, live performance and awards ceremony, with the programme concluding with a reception.

The festival has not announced a general public livestream, meaning visitors interested in attending should check the official website for tickets and any programme updates.

Tickets and full programme: AI Filmfest Athens official website.