Jury Announced for Second Reply AI Film Festival

International tech group Reply has announced the judges for the second edition of the Reply AI Film Festival, an international competition aimed at exploring the collaboration potential between artificial intelligence (AI) and human creativity in storytelling. The event, set to take place in 2025, features a panel of esteemed judges chaired by Italian director and screenwriter Gabriele Muccino, known for films like "The Pursuit of Happyness" and "Seven Pounds." Other notable members include Rob Minkoff, co-director of "The Lion King"; Caleb and Shelby Ward, founders of Curious Refuge; Denise Negri, journalist from SkyTg24 and Sky Arte; Dave Clark, founder and creative director of Promise; and Charlie Fink, AR/VR/AI expert and Forbes columnist. The 2025 festival's theme is "Generation of Emotions," encouraging participants to use AI technologies to evoke genuine and engaging emotions through their films. All entries must be submitted by June 1, 2025, via the platform aiff.reply.com. The judges will evaluate submissions based on three criteria: creativity, production quality, and the degree of AI integration, spanning scriptwriting, filming, and post-production. Core Characters and Their Perspectives Gabriele Muccino (Chair): Muccino views the AI Film Festival as a pioneering event that showcases the intersection of technology and art. He emphasizes that AI is a catalyst for innovation, not a replacement for human creativity. As head judge, he looks forward to discovering new talent and celebrating bold experiments that will shape the future of cinema. Dave Clark (Founder and Creative Director, Promise): Clark believes that AI will enhance, rather than replace, filmmakers' abilities. By streamlining workflows and providing powerful tools, AI can help creators realize their visions more quickly and expand the creative possibilities in film production. He highlights the importance of human emotional experiences, which AI cannot replicate but can complement. Filippo Rizzante (CTO, Reply): Rizzante underscores the importance of creating spaces for experimenting with emerging technologies. The first festival received over 1,000 submissions from 59 countries, demonstrating global interest in combining technology and creative skills. This year, the festival aims to build on that success and further inspire young creators. Paolo Moroni (Head of Lexus Italy): Moroni sees the festival as a unique platform that aligns with Lexus's values of innovation, creativity, and forward-thinking. He is excited about the opportunity to evaluate works that explore how AI can authentically convey deep emotions, reflecting the brand's commitment to pioneering technological and artistic advancements. Guillem Martinez Roura (Robotics and AI Officer, ITU “AI for Good” Initiative): Roura is enthusiastic about awarding the "AI for Good Award" at the festival. He hopes to see filmmakers use AI to tell compelling stories that highlight sustainability and drive positive change, showcasing the technology's potential to address critical social issues. Special Awards In addition to selecting the best original short films, this year's festival introduces two new awards: the Lexus Visionary Award and the AI for Good Award. The Lexus Visionary Award honors the most innovative and forward-thinking work that seamlessly integrates technology, design, and progressive thinking. The AI for Good Award, supported by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), recognizes short films that best emphasize the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Event Highlights and Premiere The top ten selected creators will be invited to attend the premiere event organized by Reply and Mastercard in Venice in September. At this gala, the three grand prize winners will be formally announced. This premiere not only celebrates the achievements of the participants but also showcases the potential of AI in film creation and its impact on the industry. Company Profile and Industry Impact Reply [EXM, STAR: REY, ISIN: IT0005282865] is an international group specializing in designing and implementing solutions based on new communication channels and digital media. The company supports major European industrial groups in developing business models driven by emerging technologies such as big data, cloud computing, digital media, and the Internet of Things (IoT). Its services include consulting, system integration, and digital services, covering sectors like telecommunications, media, industry, financial services, and public administration. Visit www.reply.com for more information. Reply's commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology and creativity is evident in the AI Film Festival. Industry experts believe that the festival not only highlights the transformative role of AI in the film industry but also provides a platform for emerging filmmakers to display their talents and contribute to meaningful discussions about sustainability and technological advancement. The combination of technical innovation and artistic exploration sets the stage for a reimagined future of storytelling and filmmaking.