GenTO: Toronto AI Film Festival
Cinema Evolved!

Not a tech conference. A cinematic experience.

GenTO: Toronto AI Film Festival is a two-day celebration of AI-enhanced storytelling, taking place December 5–6 at Innis Town Hall Theatre at the University of Toronto.

GenTO showcases 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. The festival features AI-assisted short films, experimental moving-image works, curated screenings, filmmaker Q&As, panel discussions, live demonstrations, and awards recognizing excellence in AI-enhanced storytelling.

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.

Awards & Prizes

GenTO will present awards recognizing excellence in AI-enhanced filmmaking, celebrating bold storytelling, artistic craft, technical innovation, and the thoughtful use of generative tools.

GenTO is a festival for artists and filmmakers exploring what cinema can become when emerging technologies meet strong artistic vision.

Winners will receive festival recognition, official laurels, and select prizes provided by GenTO and its partners. Additional in-kind support, mentorship opportunities, and technology credits may also be awarded depending on the category. Full award and prize details will be announced at a later date.

Best AI Short Film

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

Best AI Showcase Film

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

Technical Achievement Award

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

Best Canadian Film

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

Best Emerging Filmmaker

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

Best AI Music Video

Recognizing an outstanding music video that combines music and moving image through imaginative visual storytelling and effective use of AI-enhanced production tools.

Best AI Commercial or Advertisement

Honouring an outstanding advertisement, branded film, or promotional work that demonstrates originality, audience impact, cinematic craft, and innovative use of AI tools.

Announcement & Presentation

Awards will be presented during the festival’s closing ceremony. Select winners may also be invited to participate in a live Q&A or behind-the-scenes discussion about their creative process, production approach, and use of AI tools.

Rules & Terms

By submitting a film or moving-image work (“Film”) to GenTO: Toronto AI Film Festival (“GenTO” or the “Festival”), the submitter confirms they have the legal authority to submit the Film and agree to these Rules & Terms.

Runtime Notice: AI showcase films of any length are welcome. Films must be 30 minutes or less, including credits, to be considered for in-person screening. Selected longer films may be considered for presentation on the GenTO website, with the filmmaker’s consent.

The submitter must own or control all rights necessary for submission, including all required permissions, clearances, licenses, and releases. Films may be created using traditional, AI-assisted, or hybrid methods. If requested, submitters must accurately disclose the AI or generative tools used in creating the Film.

Films that infringe copyright, trademark, privacy, publicity, or other rights, or that contain unlawful, defamatory, or unauthorized material, may be disqualified. Films intended to deceive, impersonate, or misuse a person’s likeness or voice without authorization may be deemed ineligible.

By submitting, the submitter grants GenTO the non-exclusive right to review the Film for Festival consideration. If selected, the submitter grants GenTO the non-exclusive right to screen the Film as part of the Festival and to use the Film’s title, synopsis, stills, poster, trailer, press materials, and brief excerpts for Festival and promotional purposes.

If selected, the submitter must provide all required deliverables by Festival deadlines. Films not in English must include English subtitles. Once officially selected and confirmed, a Film may not be withdrawn without GenTO’s prior written consent.

The submitter represents and warrants that the Film does not violate any rights, that all necessary permissions and releases have been obtained, and that all submitted information is accurate. The submitter agrees to indemnify and hold harmless GenTO and its representatives from any claims arising from the Film or any breach of these terms.

GenTO reserves the right to determine eligibility, category placement, and programming, and to refuse, reject, or withdraw any Film at its sole discretion. All selection and award decisions are final. Submission fees are non-refundable except where required by law. These Rules & Terms are governed by the laws of Ontario and the applicable federal laws of Canada.