World AI Film Festival Istanbul Awards 124 Films, Winners to Compete at Cannes 2027

The World AI Film Festival (WAiFF) held its Istanbul edition under the theme "The Future of Storytelling is Being Created," evaluating 124 submissions across six categories including animation, short film, mini-series, and advertising. A jury drawn from film, music, and technology sectors selected winners whose productions now qualify to compete at WAiFF's international edition in Cannes in April 2027.

Hosted by AI Yapim — the AI subsidiary of Turkish production company Ay Yapim — the event featured panel discussions on AI-assisted production, international distribution economics, and AI's expanding role in music and visual arts. Notable highlights included the first public screening of the promotional trailer for "Vartolu Geri Dondu," an upcoming AI Yapim film set for release on Prime Video, and a screening of "Ilelebet," an AI-produced commemorative film marking the anniversary of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's death. WAiFF founder Marco Landi, Türkiye's Cinema General Director Birol Güven, and AI Yapim Deputy General Manager Yüce Zerey all addressed attendees at the opening.