AI-focused film festival debuts at LMU

The Loyola Marymount University School of Film and Television is pioneering new ground in film education with an innovative festival focused on the intersection of filmmaking and artificial intelligence.

Event Overview: LMU’s inaugural Innovators Film Festival, scheduled for March 27-28, 2025, will showcase student-created short films that incorporate advanced technology in their production.

• The two-day festival will take place at LMU’s Westchester campus
• Student filmmakers from around the world will present works that integrate AI, visual effects (VFX), or virtual reality (VR) technologies
• Each submission must demonstrate the use of technological elements in its production process

Program Highlights: The festival extends beyond film screenings to create a comprehensive learning environment for emerging filmmakers.

• Industry professionals will lead panel discussions on AI implementation in filmmaking
• Topics will cover AI usage by major studios and networks
• Ethical considerations surrounding AI in entertainment will be explored
• Networking opportunities with studio and production company representatives will be available

Educational Innovation: LMU is actively incorporating AI education into its film and television curriculum.

• A new course titled “Producing and Screenwriting with AI” launched in fall 2023, taught by screenwriting professor Justin Trevor Winters
• The university will introduce “The Business of Screenwriting – Law and AI” in spring 2024
• The program recently hosted its third Innovation Symposium on entertainment industry disruption, attracting over 200 industry and academic experts

Leadership Perspective: The festival represents a strategic move to prepare students for an evolving industry landscape.

• Dean Joanne Moore emphasized LMU’s commitment to responsible AI implementation in filmmaking
• The initiative aims to provide students with practical experience and knowledge needed for success in a technology-driven entertainment industry

Future Implications: This festival signals a significant shift in film education as institutions begin to formally recognize and integrate AI technologies into traditional filmmaking curriculum, potentially setting a precedent for other film schools while raising important questions about the balance between technological innovation and creative authenticity.