GenTO presents

Toronto AI Film Festival

A two-day celebration of AI-enhanced storytelling at Innis Town Hall Theatre, University of Toronto. Short films, panels, demos, and awards for bold new cinema — local and international.

Dates
DEC 05–06, 2026
Venue
Innis Town Hall
City
Toronto, ON
Edition
001 · Inaugural
Countdown to opening night
Dec 5, 2026 · 2:00 PM
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Submit a Film ↗ Buy Passes
Director's Statement

Not a tech conference.
A cinematic experience.

GenTO: Toronto AI Film Festival is a two-day celebration of AI-enhanced storytelling at Innis Town Hall Theatre at the University of Toronto.

We showcase local and international films and artists exploring generative AI as a creative tool, with a focus on bold storytelling, artistic craft, and the future of cinema.

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Programme

Two days. One room.

DAY 01 · SAT DEC 05
11:00 Doors open [ Welcome ]
11:30 Opening introduction [ Talk ]
11:45 Opening trailer + Block 1 screenings [ Screening ]
13:00 Lunch break [ Break ]
14:00 Networking [ Mixer ]
14:30 Panel 1 — Educational [ Panel ]
16:00 Presentation / workshop [ Workshop ]
17:30 Dinner break [ Break ]
19:00 Block 2 screenings [ Screening ]
20:00 Panel 2 — Ethical [ Panel ]
22:00 After-party — venue TBA [ Social ]
DAY 02 · SUN DEC 06
14:30 Doors open [ Welcome ]
15:00 Introduction [ Talk ]
15:15 Award-winning screenings + presentations [ Ceremony ]
16:00 Panel 3 — Cultural [ Panel ]
17:30 Dinner break [ Break ]
18:30 Optional block — screening · panel · GenJam [ Optional ]

Full schedule subject to change · Final programme announced November 2026

Ethos

Not about replacing filmmakers. About expanding what they can make.

We believe the most exciting work in this space is not about replacing filmmakers, but expanding the tools available to artists and storytellers.

GenTO supports a human-first approach to AI-assisted filmmaking — grounded in artistic authorship, responsibility, and strong creative vision. Set in Toronto, a global hub for both film culture and AI innovation, GenTO brings together artists, filmmakers, and audiences to explore the next chapter of cinema.

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Authorship
Artist-led, not tool-led
/ 02
Craft
The cut still matters
/ 03
Responsibility
Disclosed workflows
Awards & Prizes

Five laurels. One night.

GenTO Laurel
AWARD 01

Best AI Short Film

Recognizing an outstanding short film that demonstrates strong storytelling, cinematic craft, and thoughtful use of AI-enhanced production tools.

AWARD 02

Best AI Showcase Film

Honouring a standout work that boldly demonstrates the creative possibilities of generative filmmaking and new cinematic forms.

AWARD 03

Technical Achievement Award

Recognizing exceptional innovation in the use of AI tools, workflows, visual design, sound, editing, or production methodology.

AWARD 04

Best Canadian Film

Celebrating an outstanding AI-enhanced film by a Canadian filmmaker or Canadian creative team.

AWARD 05

Best Emerging Filmmaker

Recognizing a promising new voice whose work shows originality, ambition, and a strong creative vision.

/ PRIZES

Winners receive festival recognition, official laurels, and select prizes provided by GenTO and its partners. In-kind support, mentorship opportunities, and technology credits may be awarded depending on the category. Full details announced closer to the festival.

/ ANNOUNCEMENT

Awards are presented during the closing ceremony on Dec 6. Select winners may be invited to a live Q&A or a behind-the-scenes discussion of their work.

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Venue

Innis Town Hall,
a proper cinema.

A 200-seat theatre at the University of Toronto with proper projection and room to argue after the credits roll.

Get Passes → Directions ↗
Submissions

Submit your film.

GenTO is a festival for artists and filmmakers exploring what cinema can become when new tools meet strong artistic vision. Short films, experimental moving-image works, and hybrid forms all welcome.

Submit on FilmFreeway ↗ Read the guidelines ↗
/ Key Dates
Opening Date May 1, 2026
Earlybird Deadline July 1, 2026
Regular Deadline September 1, 2026
Late Deadline October 1, 2026
Notification Date November 1, 2026
Event Date December 5–6, 2026