Astana to host world's largest AI film festival

The Astana AI Film Festival (AAIFF 2026) is set to take place in Astana, Kazakhstan, from October 1 to 3. Recognized as the world’s largest international competition for films created using artificial intelligence, the festival received 8,067 submissions from 125 countries.

The United States submitted the highest number of entries, followed by Kazakhstan, India, China, and South Korea. The competition features a $2 million prize and investment fund, which includes $1 million in capital intended to support promising AI teams that become Astana Hub residents to help build a local AI production ecosystem.

The festival is part of Kazakhstan’s AI Month and the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence. It will include public screenings, panel discussions, and master classes, with a jury composed of international film and technology industry experts.