SCHEDULE 2026

THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2025

GEN JAM WORKSHOP: LEARN HOW TO USE AI TO CREATE SHORT FILM TRAILERS 

Comm Arts 124 3:00pm-6:00pm 

Learn how to use AI to create short film trailers in an interactive, hands-on session. Participants will form teams and create a 30-second trailer for an imagined film, using cutting-edge AI tools like ChatGPT, MidJourney, Runway, ElevenLabs, and more.At the end of the session, trailers will be screened for the group, with a special prize awarded to the most original and compelling creation. No experience required—just bring your laptop, creativity, and festival spirit! Space is limited to 60 participants, so RSVP to secure your spot. The winning trailer will be announced at the awards ceremony on March 28th.

Facilitated by Ian Eck, Mike Gioia, and Brian Wankum

KEYNOTE: INNOVATING TOMORROW

Broccoli Theater 6:30pm-7:30pm 

Reid AI is a digital twin of Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn, Inflection AI, and Manas AI. The avatar, developed with technology from Hey Gen for visuals and ElevenLabs for voice cloning, uses a custom chatbot to formulate responses. This chatbot draws from Hoffman’s extensive body of work, including his books, speeches, articles, and podcasts from the last 20 years. Reid AI is a carefully monitored, responsible digital twin. Hoffman believes that thoughtfully developed AI avatars can make content more dynamic and accessible. Reid AI is fluent in over 175 languages, proficient in over 600 programming languages, and enjoys long strolls through databases. Reid AI is at LMU to discuss the intersection of creativity, technology, and social impact, exploring how innovation can shape the future of storytelling and entertainment.

Keynote – Reid AI (Reid Hoffmans Digital Twin), Ben Relles, and Parth Patil

VIP COCKTAIL RECEPTION

The Pavilion 7:30pm-9:00pm

Join filmmakers, industry professionals, students, and faculty for the VIP Cocktail Reception, an evening of networking, conversation, and celebration. Enjoy cocktails and a vibrant atmosphere as we bring together the innovators shaping the future of film and technology. Open to all festival attendees.

FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2025

SHORT FILM SCREENINGS

Mayer Theater 10:30am-4:00pm

Attendees can stop by the Mayer Theater anytime to watch a selection of short films showcasing innovative storytelling and technology. The award-winning films will play on a continuous rotation, offering plenty of chances to catch them throughout the event.

INSTALLATIONS

Google VEO2 Activation

Howard Fitzpatrick Pavilion 204 – 10:45AM – 4:00PM

Experience the future of AI-driven filmmaking with Google DeepMind’s VEO2. Led by industry expert Buzz Hays, this hands-on activation showcases VEO2’s cutting-edge video generation technology, featuring advanced motion capabilities, cinematic controls, and seamless AI storytelling. Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to explore real-time AI-powered filmmaking tools and engage with one of the top minds in media innovation.

Google Team – Buzz Hays

SONY INSTALLATION – XYN™: REVOLUTIONIZING 3D CREATION AND MOTION CAPTURE

Howard Fitzpatrick Pavilion 202 10:45am-4:00pm

XYN™ (/zin/) is an integrated software and hardware solution that supports the creation of spatial content. As part of XYN, we will be demoing: 1) XYN Spatial Capture Solution, which transforms real objects and spaces into photorealistic 3D CG assets using images captured with mirrorless cameras. 2) Motion Studio software and mocopi Professional Mode, which empower creators to fully express their envisioned worlds, featuring vivid human motion representation and an intuitive user experience. 3) XYN Mixed-Reality headset, which seamlessly integrates across multiple workflows, providing very high-resolution visualization of what creators captured with our XYN Spatial Capture and mocopi.

Special Offer: Sony will also be hosting a contest/raffle exclusively for students attending the festival, giving away two Sony mocopi 3D Mobile Motion Capture Devices valued at $400 each!

Sony Electronics Team – Daisy Berns, Libor Cevelik, Sam Fares, and Thaisa Yamamura, Moustafa Sharawy and Yoshi Takashima, VP of Sony Pictures Entertainment

ADOBE INSTALLATION – GENAI-POWERED FILMMAKING

Howard Fitzpatrick Pavilion 200 10:45am-4:00pm

A dynamic installation that puts the power of Adobe Firefly directly into the hands of filmmakers. Attendees will experience firsthand how next-generation tools in Photoshop, Premiere Pro, and Firefly are transforming creative workflows—bringing ideas to life faster than ever. From generating stunning concept art to seamlessly editing video with intuitive prompts, this interactive showcase dives into the future of storytelling. Visitors can explore AI-driven pre-visualization, automated post-production enhancements, and cutting-edge creative techniques that push the limits of imagination. This hands-on experience will ignite inspiration, empowering students to reimagine what’s possible in filmmaking.

Special Offer: Adobe will also be hosting a contest/raffle exclusively for students attending the festival, giving away annual Adobe Creative Suite subscriptions valued at $660 each!

Adobe Team – Kylee Peña, Karl Soule, Van Bedient, Jonathan Carrera

SETL WELLNESS BREAK – 4-WALL PROJECTION AND SPACIAL SOUND INSTALLATION

HFP 108 10:45am-4:00pm

Take a quick break and step into experiential wellness through immersive visual projection and spatial sound creating an all-encompassing experience that engages the senses and evokes emotional responses to soothe the mind, body, and soul.

SETL Team – Sarah and Zander Thiele

PANELS

WOMEN TEACHING TECH: TRAILBLAZING EDUCATORS AT THE TOP 5 FILM SCHOOLS

Broccoli Theater – 10:00AM – 10:45AM

This panel celebrates women leading the charge in teaching technology-driven filmmaking, highlighting how top film schools are preparing the next generation of storytellers.

Moderator: Carolyn Giardina – Senior Entertainment Tech Editor (Variety) Panelists: Beth Dewey (LMU), Madeline Warren (Chapman), Holly Willis (USC), Randi Atkins (AFI)

AGENTS OF CHANGE: NAVIGATING REPRESENTATION IN THE AGE OF AI

Broccoli Theater – 11:00AM – 11:45AM

Top talent agents share insights into representing creatives in an era defined by digital disruption and emerging technologies.

Moderator – Erlan Nyssanov (UTA)
Panelists – Jonathan Rodriguez (CAA) & Kate Lonczak (WME)

LUNCH MIXER 12:00PM – 1:00PM

METAPHYSIC: AI-POWERED PERFORMANCE AND DIGITAL IDENTITY

Broccoli Theater 1:00pm-1:45pm

Step into the future of entertainment with Metaphysic’s groundbreaking AI technology, which enables real-time, hyperrealistic digital performances. Experience firsthand how AI-driven content creation is revolutionizing Hollywood, from de-aging actors to creating lifelike digital doubles. As the official generative AI partner for Miramax’s Here, starring Tom Hanks and Robin Wright, and now part of Brahma, DNEG Group’s AI division, Metaphysic is setting new standards for authenticity and creative control in filmmaking. Witness live demonstrations and explore the ethical implications of AI-powered storytelling in an interactive showcase led by Chief Content Officer Ed Ulbrich.

Featured Speaker: Ed Ulbrich

REDEFINING STORYTELLING – AI AND THE CREATIVE PROCESS

Broccoli Theater – 2:00PM – 2:45PM

AI is transforming the way stories are developed, produced, and experienced. This panel explores how emerging AI tools are revolutionizing creative workflows in filmmaking , from pre-production and visual effects to storytelling and content strategy. Panelists will discuss the evolving relationship between human creativity and machine intelligence, the ethical and artistic implications of AI-driven content, and the new opportunities these technologies create for filmmakers and artists. Discover how AI is reshaping the industry, expanding creative boundaries, and redefining the future of storytelling.

Moderators: Jagger Waters (Curious Refuge)

Panelists: Josh Wallace Kerrigan (Neural Viz), Lyndon Barrois Sr (IT’S A WRAPPER!), Paul Trillo (Trillo Films), Sydney Bright (WEBTOON)

Special Offer: As part of their commitment to fostering the next generation of AI-driven filmmakers, Curious Refuge is offering four free enrollments into select AI filmmaking courses for students attending the festival. Courses include AI Filmmaking, AI Animation, and AI Documentary. Don’t miss this opportunity to expand your skills and explore the future of storytelling!

FUTURE STORYTELLERS: STUDENTS INNOVATING WITH TECH

Broccoli Theater – 3:00PM – 3:45PM

What’s Trending founder Shira Lazar moderates this dynamic discussion with the next generation of filmmakers redefining storytelling through cutting-edge technology. Students from top film schools share how they’re leveraging AI, virtual production, and advanced editing tools to bring their creative visions to life. From scriptwriting to post-production, discover how they’re transforming challenges into groundbreaking innovations and shaping the future of the entertainment industry. This peer-to-peer conversation showcases fresh ideas, specific projects, and the tools driving their work—aimed at inspiring fellow students and industry professionals alike.

Moderator – Shira Lazar, What’s Trending

Panelists: Film students from the top 5 film schools- Kaylee Young & Federico Velez (LMU), Katie Luo & Johans Saldana (USC) Matt Gelzer (AFI), Betsy Beatrice Siegel (Chapman)

SHORT FILMS & AWARDS CEREMONY

Broccoli Theater – 4:00PM- 5:00PM

Join us for an inspiring hour dedicated to showcasing the award-winning short films of this year’s Innovators Film Festival and honoring the talented filmmakers behind them. Experience a captivating selection of films that push the boundaries of storytelling through innovative uses of technology. From compelling narratives and thought-provoking documentaries to groundbreaking animation and explorations of AI ethics, these shorts exemplify the creativity, boldness, and visionary spirit shaping the future of cinema. Winners will receive trophies and cash prizes—ranging from $500 to $1,000.