Jury Announced for Reply AI Film Festival's Second Edition

International technology group Reply has announced the jury members for the second edition of the Reply AI Film Festival, an international competition aimed at exploring the collaboration between artificial intelligence and human creativity in filmmaking. The festival's theme for 2025 is "Emotion Generation," focusing on how AI can evoke genuine and compelling emotions through narrative film. All submissions must be uploaded to aiff.reply.com by June 1, 2025, and will be evaluated based on their creativity, production quality, and the integration of AI at various stages of filmmaking, from scriptwriting to post-production. Gabriele Muccino, a renowned Italian director and screenwriter, will chair the jury. Muccino is known for films such as "The Last Kiss," "The Pursuit of Happyness," and "Seven Pounds," which have earned him prestigious awards including David di Donatello and David of the Belt. He believes the AI Film Festival is a pioneering event that demonstrates the intersection of technology and art. "AI is a catalyst for innovation, not a replacement for human creativity. It opens up new avenues, styles, and narratives that were previously unimaginable," Muccino said. Joining Muccino on the jury are Rob Minkoff, co-director of "The Lion King" and "Stuart Little," Caleb and Shelby Ward, founders of Curious Refuge, Denise Negri, a journalist from SkyTg24 and Sky Arte, Dave Clark, founder and creative director of Promise, and Forbes columnist Charlie Fink, an expert in AR/VR/IA. Additionally, Filippo Rizzante, Chief Technology Officer of Reply, Caroline Ingeborn, COO of Luma AI, Paolo Moroni, head of Lexus Italy, and Guillem Martinez Roura, AI and robotics lead for ITU’s “AI for Good” program, will also serve on the panel. The festival will not only select the best original short films but will also award two special prizes: the Lexus Visionary Award and the AI for Good Award. The Lexus Visionary Award honors the most creative and innovative film that successfully blends technology, design, and forward-thinking. This aligns with Lexus's brand values of innovation, creativity, and futurism. The AI for Good Award, in partnership with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), aims to recognize films that best highlight the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Filippo Rizzante emphasized the importance of creating spaces for experimenting with emerging technologies, noting that the first festival received over 1,000 entries from 59 countries. "This indicates a strong interest from the younger generation and technophiles in challenging and combining their technical and creative skills," he stated. Paolo Moroni from Lexus Italy expressed his excitement about evaluating works that blend technology and creativity, reflecting Lexus's commitment to innovation. Guillem Martinez Roura highlighted the potential of AI to drive positive change, particularly in storytelling that focuses on sustainable development. Dave Clark, founder and creative director of Promise, added another perspective. "AI doesn’t replace filmmakers; it enhances their possibilities. By simplifying workflows and providing powerful tools, AI makes creative visualization faster, experimentation freer, and storytelling more accessible, opening doors to new voices and narratives." However, he noted that the core of filmmaking remains human emotional experience. "AI has never loved, suffered, or truly lived." The selected creators will be invited to a premier event in Venice in September, organized by Reply and Mastercard. During this ceremony, the three grand champions will be officially announced. This event underscores the growing recognition of AI’s role in the film industry, not just as a technological advancement but as a tool that bridges the gap between creativity and innovation. Industry insiders and experts laud the initiative for its potential to push the boundaries of filmmaking and encourage young talent. The Reply AI Film Festival is seen as a significant platform for exploring how AI can be harnessed to tell deeper, more emotionally resonant stories, thereby shaping the future of the film industry. Company Profile Reply [EXM, STAR: REY, ISIN: IT0005282865] is a global digital solutions leader focused on designing and implementing innovative communication channels and digital media solutions. The company works closely with major European industrial groups, helping them define and develop business models driven by AI, big data, cloud computing, digital media, and the Internet of Things (IoT). Its services encompass consulting, system integration, and digital services across diverse sectors such as telecommunications, media, industry, financial services, and public administration. For more information, visit www.reply.com. Overall, the Reply AI Film Festival is a testament to the company's commitment to fostering technological innovation and nurturing new talent. The festival's success and the introduction of specialized awards highlight its role in promoting creative exploration and sustainable storytelling, making it a pivotal event in the evolving landscape of film and technology.