Program Guide
Explore the full schedule of talks, screenings, panels, and live performances on May 17, 2025 at the Sparknify Human vs. AI Tech Fair & Film Festival
11:00 AM
Opening Ceremony
Join us as we officially kick off the 2025 Human vs. AI Tech Fair & Film Festival! The Opening Ceremony sets the stage for a full day of groundbreaking ideas, artistic innovation, and cultural reflection.
We’ll unveil the 14 nominated short films—half human-made, half AI-generated—that will be screened throughout the day. These finalists are at the heart of this year’s central question: Can AI tell a story that feels more human than a human can?
Come be part of the moment where technology meets creativity, and help launch a festival that challenges how we see storytelling, identity, and the future.
Tech Talk
Stage A
TOBoRLife is pioneering the integration of AI-powered robots into everyday life, offering solutions that range from home companions to business and educational applications. Their mission is to make robotic solutions accessible and practical for a variety of real-world scenarios.
See ToborLife's robots in action in Booth B1. Watch them move, interact, and amaze. The future is here — Want one at home? Use code TOBORSPARKNIFY5 for a special offer at toborlife.ai
B1
In his talk, David will explore a future where robots are not just tools but integral parts of our daily lives. He’ll discuss how advancements in autonomous control systems and AI are bringing us closer to a world where robots enhance our homes, workplaces, and communities.
David Schulhof
CEO
ToborLife
Short Film
Stage A
Pi in the Sky
Petra Molnar
United Kingdom
2 minutes 19 seconds
SYNOPSIS During a rehearsal at the Origami Theater, a group of paper-folded robots prepares to perform a light-hearted play. But when one robot begins reciting the digits of pi… he can’t stop. What starts as a staged farewell turns into a glitchy, comedic spiral — testing the patience, friendship, and circuitry of everyone involved.
BIOGRAPHY Petra Molnar is an AI-powered film and animation director with a unique journey that blends science, storytelling, and technology. Originally from Hungary, Petra holds degrees in biology and spent several years building a successful career in dentistry after moving to London in 2007. But her creative side never faded. During the pandemic, she rediscovered her passion for visual storytelling and began exploring the world of artificial intelligence. What started as curiosity soon turned into a full-time calling. Petra founded AI CineLab, a creative studio where she brings ideas to life using cutting-edge AI tools. From animated shorts to bold brand content, she leads each project with a mix of imagination and precision, always aiming to deliver something fresh and meaningful. She’s also the co-founder of the Creative AI Network, a supportive community for creatives using generative AI. Through events, workshops, and collaborations, Petra helps others unlock the potential of AI in storytelling. Her work has been recognized in major AI film competitions, and she’s known for her ability to merge innovation with heart. Whether she’s designing characters, crafting a narrative, or mentoring others, Petra brings energy, warmth, and a clear creative vision to everything she does.
Tech Talk
Stage A
Vimmerse is a cutting-edge platform that brings storytelling into the immersive age by combining generative AI with 3D animation and virtual production. With tools designed to empower creators, educators, and brands, Vimmerse makes it possible to produce rich, interactive video content quickly and cost-effectively. At the intersection of technology and narrative, Vimmerse reimagines how stories are told — and experienced — in the era of AI.
Basel Salahieh
CEO
Vimmerse
11:30 AM
Short Film
Stage A
The Writer’s Horror
Sergiy Pudich
Ukraine/Tailand
10 minutes 33 seconds
SYNOPSIS A struggling, selfish horror writer turns to ChatGPT for help with his latest script. As the AI blurs the lines between fiction and reality, eerie and unsettling events unfold in his isolated cabin in the woods.
BIOFILMOGRAPHY Sergiy Pudich is an acclaimed Ukrainian film director, producer, and cinematographer known for his compelling storytelling and innovative visual style. Born and raised in Ukraine, Sergiy developed a passion for cinema early in life, which led him to pursue a career in the film industry. Sergiy's films are celebrated for their unique blend of powerful narratives and striking cinematography. In recent years, Sergiy has expanded his horizons by relocating to Thailand, where he continues to create and produce films.
Short Film
Stage A
El Mono Con La Lengua Afuera
"The Monkey With Its Tongue Out"
Sebastian Arriagada
Chile
7 minutes 20 seconds
SYNOPSIS The short film chronicles a filmmaker's encounter with a spider monkey observing him with its tongue out from behind an acrylic panel, triggering a series of reflections. This gesture becomes a mirror of a contemporary paradox: who domesticates whom in the age of data? The amateur camera, with its raw handycam aesthetic, transforms the animals into glitch entities, beings suspended between the biological and the digital. The narrative jumps to 1974, revealing clandestine meetings during the Chilean dictatorship in this same zoo, and to 1984, where a poet performs a provocative act by locking himself in the baboon cage, questioning confinement as a biopolitical ritual. Constructed through a dialogue between real images and artificial intelligence-generated imagery, the short film exposes the disturbing beauty of the artificial, allowing viewers to contemplate the increasingly blurred boundaries between the authentic and the synthetic. The story advances toward the unsettling question posed by Nick Bostrom: if human intelligence subjugated gorillas, what "refuge" awaits us when algorithms study us as specimens? A gallery of algorithmic primates invites us both to reflection and to confront the strange mirror of an imminent future, where reality itself is mediated by the algorithms we claim to control. What expression will we show when we are the ones being observed?
BIOFILMOGRAPHY Sebastián Arriagada, cineasta y fotógrafo nacido en Temuco en 1985, explora las intersecciones entre la imagen en movimiento y la realidad perceptual. Actualmente cursa un Doctorado en Artes en la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, desarrollando proyectos que redefinen la representación visual mediante imágenes producidas por datos. Ha dirigido obras reconocidas como “Nebula” y “50 veces los Hawker Hunter bombardean el Palacio de la Moneda”, y publicó su fotolibro “Lo improbable, afuera” (2021). Además, ha impartido clases en la Universidad de Chile.
Tech Talk
Stage A
SambaNova Systems is a leading AI innovation company that builds advanced hardware and software systems to power the next generation of artificial intelligence applications. With a focus on efficiency, scalability, and enterprise-grade performance, SambaNova delivers cutting-edge AI infrastructure designed to accelerate machine learning models in areas such as natural language processing, computer vision, and scientific computing. Their solutions enable businesses and governments to deploy large-scale AI faster and more cost-effectively—transforming how industries harness the power of artificial intelligence.
SambaNova Systems
Developer Advocate
Justin Woo
12:00 PM
Short Film
Stage A
Sana (Heal)
Manuel Larios
Peru
10 minutes 01 seconds
SYNOPSIS A muddy young man, fragmented by his father's emotional abandonment, falls apart into pieces. However, he finds temporary refuge in the deep connection with his grandfather, who becomes his emotional bastion. But fate is cruel, and his grandfather's death brings his world crashing down. Isolated and mired in grief, the young man takes refuge in an imaginary scenario, where he begins to rebuild himself through his own suffering. In this fantasy space, he seeks to find the strength to heal his wounds and regain his connection with his father.
BIOFILMOGRAPHY Animation director and producer, he contributed to the 3D feature films Condorito: The Movie and Ainbo: Spirit of the Amazon as Lead Layout Artist / Final Layout - Set Dressing. He has served as director and production supervisor on various animated projects for Warner Bros, Illenium, J Balvin, Outkast, Juice Wrld, Free Fire, League of Legends, John Roberts, and The Living Tombstone, as well as on 3D advertising projects for Adult Swim, Khomanta, and others. He was awarded a DAFO (Peru) grant for his 3D short film and physical model project Sana. Currently, he works as an independent director and producer, collaborating on the development of the 3D animated film Nosé as co-director with Pataclaun, and as executive producer of the 2D series Bittersweet Adventures of Ari & Rumi from Vitaminas Gráficas.
Comedy
Stage A
Richard Yan
Get ready to laugh at the future! Bilingual comedian Richard Yan of Silicomedy brings his sharp wit to the Sparknify Human vs. AI Tech Fair & Film Festival with a special performance exploring the quirks of AI, robots, and our increasingly tech-powered world. Blending humor with cultural insight, Richard’s comedy bridges languages and generations—perfectly reflecting the festival’s spirit of human connection in the age of machines.
Short Film
Stage A
#Tocarfondo (#Beachfile)
Carles Bigorra
Spain
7 minutes 26 seconds
SYNOPSIS A separated father tries to win his daughters' affection by letting them bury him in the sand at the beach. Due to social media, his situation will take an unexpected turn.
BIOFILMOGRAPHY His beginnings trace back to his hometown of Reus, where his passion for the performing arts led him to the theater. He earned a degree in Dramatic Arts from the Institut del Teatre in Barcelona and soon began developing his first theatrical projects in the Catalan capital. At the same time, his work in television—especially on TV3—became an important learning ground for him. With over 20 years of experience, he has had the opportunity to work with acclaimed directors such as Daniel Monzón, Sílvia Munt, Héctor Lozano, Jordi Frades, and Elena Trapé, and to share the stage with top professionals in the industry including José Sacristán, Aida Flix, Diana Gómez, Amaia Salamanca, David Verdaguer, and Fermí Reixach, among many others. In recent years, he has collaborated with Carmen Rico of Sucursales Emocionales and in 2022 filmed Zumeca, a movie produced in the Dominican Republic, as well as El Crédito from Ecir Films, alongside José Sacristán. Most recently, he has taken part in three projects with Joel Munu and the production company Octubre Cinema: The Man Who Killed Terry Gilliam, selected for international festivals including Bogoshorts (Colombia), the Moscow International Film Festival, and SANFICI (Colombia); Irrelevant, winner of Best Picture at Notodofilmfest 2025; and Hitting Bottom, a finalist at the Rueda con Rueda Festival and winner of the 2024 Best Actor Award, a project he also co-created and directed.
12:30 PM
Tech Talk
Stage A
Descript is an all-in-one AI-powered video and audio editing platform that revolutionizes the way creators produce content. Designed for podcasters, video editors, and teams, Descript makes editing as easy as editing text—cut, copy, and paste your media using a transcript. With features like screen recording, multi-track editing, overdub voice synthesis, and powerful AI tools for cleanup and captions, Descript streamlines the entire post-production process. Whether you’re crafting a podcast, producing a marketing video, or collaborating remotely, Descript empowers creators to move fast, sound great, and tell better stories.
Descript
VP of Product
Laura Burkhauser
Taiwan Select
Stage A
This year, the Special Select section of the Human vs. AI Film Festival proudly shines a spotlight on Taiwan—a global leader in semiconductor innovation and the cradle of advanced chip fabrication. As the home of the world’s most sophisticated GPU and inference engine production, Taiwan plays a critical role in powering the very AI technologies explored in our festival. In the spirit of “Human vs. AI,” we invite the world to focus on this island of silicon—not only as a technological powerhouse, but as a source of rich, human-centered storytelling. Through the Taiwan Select, we celebrate Taiwanese filmmakers and encourage their creative voices to take center stage in this evolving dialogue between humanity and machines.
Short Film
Stage A
Partner
Johnny Su
Taiwan
8 minutes 6 seconds
SYNOPSIS A young boy, constantly moving due to family circumstances, found himself repeatedly transferred to new schools where he became the target of bullying. In an effort to give his son a companion, the boy’s father mistakenly brought home what he thought was a dog—only to discover it was actually a wolfdog. Over time, the boy and the wolfdog formed a deep bond, with the animal becoming his closest friend and emotional support. However, as the wolfdog grew larger, its imposing size began to frighten classmates and neighbors. Complaints from parents started pouring in, and the school summoned the father for discussions. Eventually, under pressure and with no other option, the father was forced to give the wolfdog away. Without his companion, the boy once again faced bullying—this time, so severe that his father had no choice but to involve the police. One night, as the boy endured the darkness alone, he was surprised to see his beloved wolfdog return. In its presence, his fear melted away. Thanks to the stray wolfdog’s help, the police were able to locate the missing boy and rescue him. However, the boy soon learned the heartbreaking truth—that his beloved wolfdog had passed away days earlier. He couldn’t help but wonder if what he saw the night before was just a dream, or perhaps a hallucination.Yet, through this experience, the boy came to understand something deeply: no matter where life takes him, the wolfdog would always be with him in spirit. With renewed courage, the boy stepped into school once more, ready to start a new chapter of his life.
Director's Note This film contains several hidden key elements: (1) When the boy is feeling down, the scenes are presented in monochrome tones; when he is happy, the scenes are filled with vibrant colors. (2) The father was so anxious while searching for his son and calling the police that, overnight, his hair turned white and he appeared visibly aged. (3) The wolfdog, heartbroken after being separated from the boy, fell ill from longing and passed away three days before the boy went missing. Yet, in the moment the boy needed him most—it returned.
Presentation
Stage A
iTaiwan Foods is a specialty snack company dedicated to sharing the authentic flavors of Taiwan with the world. Based in the U.S., iTaiwan curates and delivers a wide variety of traditional Taiwanese snacks—from puffed rice crackers and preserved fruits to seaweed rolls and childhood favorites—making it easy for Taiwanese immigrants and snack lovers alike to enjoy a taste of home. With a focus on quality, nostalgia, and cultural connection, iTaiwan Foods celebrates the vibrant heritage of Taiwanese street snacks and everyday treats, offering customers a delicious way to experience the heart of Taiwan, wherever they are.
Join us for a flavorful journey with Anthony Wu, CEO of iTaiwan Foods, as he shares the rich, authentic stories behind Taiwan’s most beloved snacks. In this special talk, Anthony will reveal how childhood memories, street culture, and local traditions are baked into every bite—making Taiwanese snacks not just delicious, but deeply meaningful. Discover why these treats are among the best in the world, and how they continue to connect generations across continents.
iTaiwan Food
CEO
Anthony Wu
1:00 PM
Short Film
Stage A
Black Høle
Davis Chang
Taiwan
3 minutes 3 seconds
SYNOPSIS Black Høle is a haunting AI-powered short film that satirizes the rigid structure of the Asian education system. Rendered in stark black-and-white with a surreal, doodle-like acrylic aesthetic—crafted using Midjourney and Runway ML—the film reimagines schools as psychological prisons, trapping students in an endless loop of exams, cram schools, and parental pressure. Through dark humor and visceral imagery, Black Høle critiques a culture that favors rote memorization over curiosity, leaving students vulnerable in an age where AI outpaces outdated human systems. It’s both a personal reckoning and a wake-up call for a generation navigating inherited expectations and future uncertainty.
Biography Davis Chang is an award-winning AI filmmaker, Creative Director, and co-founder of Ø Studio, specializing in blending generative AI with traditional filmmaking. He pushes the boundaries of storytelling through experimental visuals and human-centered narratives. His acclaimed AI-driven short films—The HØST, Black Høle, Ørigin, and Høld—have been featured at prestigious festivals like FILE and NUDO, with Høld winning First Place in the Social Media Track at Project Odyssey Season 2. Black Høle earned multiple awards, including Best Cinematography at the Amsterdam AI Film Festival, while Ørigin won Best Art Direction at Project Odyssey Season 1.
Director's Note The concept of a black hole has been deeply rooted in my mind since a long time ago. It represents the unknown, the mysterious, and the fearful. We can only make guesses, but in reality, we are not clear what lies within, what kind of existence is that inky black singularity that devours space and time. It is like an unfathomable abyss, fascinating yet maddening. I have transformed this impression into a psychological projection. The black hole represents my questioning of the pyramid that used to value only academic performance. In childhood, life was a ceaseless cycle between school and cram schools, as if there were no weekends, only Monday through Sunday without a pause. There was not even time to ponder why we had to learn these things or gain awareness of life itself. We were incessantly demanded to obey and had volumes of "knowledge" inculcated into us, only then would we be affirmed, oand nly then were we good children. Most children were like factory machines, molded into cogs fitting the social framework. Those who successfully graduated were like screened livestock, cursed and crowned on stage, declared qualified instruments of this world who would never think again. Yet all the confusion, discontent, doubts, and jumbled repressed emotions and energies accumulated by the children continued accumulating in a formless void, never disappearing. When the day comes for them to take shape, they will backfire into this reality.
Short Film
Stage A
Still Twinkling
Lily Pen
Taiwan
4 minutes 12 seconds
SYNOPSIS A quiet journey about stars, memory, and time.
Biography Lily Pen
Short Film
Stage A
International Express
Kai Sum Yang
Taiwan
11 minutes 22 seconds
SYNOPSIS In Taiwan, a Hong Konger, Him , mails a banned book titled 「The Silent Ones」 to Hong Kong. To avoid suspicion, Him disguises the book by altering its appearance. A secret call claims the book could not pass the security check. Him calls his friend and worried that the plan has been exposed. He hurriedly packs his belongings and start his flee.
Biography My Name is Owen, Yeung Kai Sum. I am a junior filmmaker. I was mainly working in news industry before. My working experience offer me a brand new stand to develop my video. Hoping my work would be inspiring. Have Fun~
Interview
Stage A
B7
B8
Duan Chun Zhen is a renowned Taiwanese restaurant celebrated for its exceptional beef noodle soup. Originating from Hsinchu, Taiwan, the establishment honors a cherished family recipe passed down through generations. Their signature dish features USDA Choice beef shank, meticulously prepared through a multi-step process: slow-cooked at a consistent temperature to ensure tenderness, then braised for hours in a broth infused with 23 Sichuan herbs and spices. This dedication results in a rich, aromatic soup that has captivated diners both in Taiwan and abroad. With locations now in the Bay Area, Duan Chun Zhen offers an authentic taste of Taiwanese culinary tradition that food enthusiasts shouldn’t miss.
1:30 PM
Short Film
Stage A
The Man with 19 Cats
Yen-Chun Chen
Taiwan
7 minutes 44 seconds
SYNOPSIS Under the warm sunlight of Silicon Valley, California, there stood a house
Director's Interview
Stage A
An intimate interview with Director Yen-Chun Chen
Short Film
Stage A
Dark, Light, Yellow
Fran Gas
Spain
4 minutes 52 seconds
SYNOPSIS Yellow has been born. Color Psychology will assign it the qualities with which it will interact with the world.
BIOGRAPHY Fran Gas (Orihuela, 1984) is a Spanish film director, filmmaker, screenwriter, editor, and musician. With over 10 years in the industry, he has directed more than 100 music videos for artists under Sony Music, Warner Music, Universal Music, and RLM, among others, as well as commercials for major brands like Jeep, Repsol, Ikea, and Milka. In 2023, he won Best Film at +Rain Film Fest—the first international European festival dedicated to AI-generated cinema—with his short film Of Youth. The work also received Best AI Film awards at other international festivals, including FICMA (Mexico), NarrarelFuturo (Colombia), and the Brazil Experimental Festival. His animated music video Chica Rara won Best National Music Video at Scopifest 2021 and Best Animated Music Video at the El Ojo Iluso International Festival 2020 (Venezuela). His short films El fotoviaje de Carla (2018) and Guisantes. Sinfonía industrial en cuatro movimientos (2019) have collectively earned over 90 selections and awards worldwide. Recently, he premiered Fideuá, a horror/comedy short, at the 2023 Sitges Fantastic Film Festival. His new AI-driven film Latex Kid received the Jury Special Mention at the Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival (BIFAN). He also composes film scores under his experimental music project Lavenzza, and in 2023 was nominated for the Crystal Pine Awards (Croatia) for the Of Youth soundtrack.
Short Film
Stage A
ٱلصَّالُون
(The Living Room)
Mariam Mouzoul
Morocco
3 minutes 28 seconds
SYNOPSIS “THE LIVING ROOM ٱلصَّالُون ” is an intimate journey through time and memory, where childhood and family photos are brought back to life using AI. These images, taken in the Moroccan saloun, the heart of family gatherings, are animated to reveal the richness of traditions, rituals, and everyday moments. Instead of narration, the film presents short, evocative texts on-screen—fragments of emotions, sensations, and memories that emerge as the images unfold. Words like “lbatania l7mra,” “excitement,” “joy” appear, subtly guiding the viewer’s experience. Saloun is a tribute to collective memory, a bridge between generations, and a reflection on how technology can breathe life into frozen moments, preserving their emotional depth.
BIOGRAPHY I’m Mariam, a creative mind at the intersection of static and animated design, driven by a passion for innovation and positive impact. With a curious spirit and an ever-adaptive mindset, I’m currently diving deep into the world of AI, exploring how it can reshape advertising as we know it. After earning a DUT in Multimedia and Internet, a professional degree in Motion Design, and a Master’s in Art Direction for Animated Media, I built a solid foundation in design and storytelling. Over the past few years, I’ve honed my skills as an Art Director for two years, a Motion Designer for one year, and now, for the past six months, I’ve been working as a Post-Producer assisted by AI in advertising. Every day, I push the boundaries of generative AI, seeking new ways to merge technology with creativity. My mission is to challenge the norms, spark bold ideas, and fuel the future of design. I’m excited to keep exploring, learning, and uncovering how AI can redefine our industry—one breakthrough at a time.
Tech Talk
Stage A
Resemble.ai is a leading voice technology company specializing in AI-generated speech and deepfake detection. Their platform enables users to create highly realistic synthetic voices for applications in entertainment, gaming, customer service, and beyond—while also offering powerful tools to detect and prevent voice-based fraud. Trusted by developers, enterprises, and governments, Resemble.ai is at the forefront of ethical voice AI, balancing creative innovation with security and authenticity in an increasingly AI-driven world.
Saqib Muhammad
Co-Founder & COO
Resemble AI
2:00 PM
Panel Discussion
Stage A
The Future of Reality
When AI Creates Reality: Perception, Trust, & Creativity
\Moderated by Pranali Ubale, host of the Passionate Pulse Podcast and a sharp cultural analyst, this panel explores how generative AI is reshaping — and at times distorting — our understanding of what is real. As synthetic media becomes increasingly convincing, the conversation delves into its impact on perception, trust, and the creative process. Panelists include Vladimir Karishev, Head of Partnerships at Higgsfield.ai, pioneers in AI-generated video; Kate Polet, an AI filmmaker and YouTuber whose work investigates the shifting boundaries of machine-made cinema; and Parinda Joshi, a seasoned screenwriter and author whose storytelling spans novels and screenplays, bringing a human voice to the evolving narrative landscape.
Pranali Ubale
Host of the Passionate Pulse
Vladimir Karishev
Head of Partnerships
Kate Polet
AI Filmmaker and YouTuber
Parinda Joshi
Screenplay Writer
2:30 PM
Short Film
Stage A
Silentium
Roméo Lefèvre
Frence
12 minutes 52 seconds
SYNOPSIS In a world ravaged by a mysterious contamination, a woman struggles to survive when a stranger appears. Once suspicion has passed, a story can be born: it doesn't need words. Gesture becomes speech. As warning messages echo through the ruins of civilization, they explore a universe marked by loneliness and the strange beauty of forgotten objects.
BIOGRAPHY Roméo Lefèvre is a director and cinematographer specializing in creative documentaries. He trained as a cinematographer at the Institut des Arts de Diffusion in Belgium, where he was mentored by Benoit Dervaux, whose approach to framing reality profoundly influenced his work. He later completed a Master’s degree in Documentary Writing and Directing at Creadoc. Roméo frequently collaborates with theater and dance companies, supporting them in creating visuals and musical compositions. As a dancer himself, he explores how to capture the essence of dance movement through the lens of a camera.
3:00 PM
Panel Discussion
Stage A
The Future of Storytelling
AI and the Future of Storytelling, Identity, and Humanity
Moderated by actress Vanessa Born, this thought-provoking panel explores how AI and immersive technologies are reshaping the boundaries of storytelling, identity, and reality. Panelists include Kerri Wood Einertson of SAG-AFTRA, three-time Emmy-winning director Bernie Su, and Suhel Parekh, Principal Product Lead at Microsoft, as they examine what it means to protect the human experience in an increasingly programmable world.
Vanessa Born
Actress
Bernie Su
Three-Times Emmy Director
Kerri Wood
SAG-AFTRA Executive Director, Government Affairs and Public Policy
Suhel Parekh
Microsoft Principal Product Lead
Short Film
Stage A
Endling
Endre Andor Lengyel
Hungary
9 minutes 5 seconds
SYNOPSIS Every day, Petter Endling, the world's only 4-Michelin-star chef, prepares the last of an endangered species in his Icelandic restaurant. And that's just the appetizer...
BIOGRAPHY I was born in Hungary, graduated from Cultural Anthropology and spent the two decades as a creative in the advertisement industry.
Director's Note There is now no question that humans are responsible for the sixth wave of extinctions. Since we can neither stop nor reverse it, we must at least try to deal with this burden - if only through art.
Workshop
Stage A
3:30 PM
Join CEO Phil Chacko and CTO Venk Subramanian of The Possible Company for a hands-on workshop on turning your ideas into compelling short-form videos. Learn practical tools and creative frameworks to identify transformative ideas and rapidly bring them to life—often in minutes. In the spirit of “You tell a story, we bring it to life,” this session is perfect for founders, technologists, and creatives ready to turn vision into reality.
CEO Phil Chacko
CTO Venk Subramanian
Short Film
Stage A
AI Love You, AI Don't Love You
Akari Sōma
Japan
13 minutes 0 seconds
SYNOPSIS A time when war was just around the corner. A love story between a man and a woman who frequently communicate with their lovers.
BIOGRAPHY Organizer of "Film Cell", where one director shows one film to one audience. Rethinking the Conditions of Filmmaking. Presenter of the 7th Seoul Animal Film Festival. HP: eiganosaibo.com X: @BlinkingFactory Filmography 《DRAGON EGG》 "Video Poem Competition of La Factorie"／France／Special Award 《Arrivee des trains au 21eme siecle(Japon)》 "ANIMAPHIX International Animated Film Festival"／Italia／Official Selection "New York Animation Film Awards"／USA／Semi-Finalist 《BLESSIN OF THE MOUNTAIN GOD》 "Dracula TiMes Shortfilms"／România／Focus Experimental Film "Desenzano Film Festival percorso di cortometraggi nello spazio g.a.e.² di Marina Bertagnin"／Italia／Official Selection 《WEAPON TREE》 "AI Film Contest by AOI Pro"／Japan／Honorable Mention "Anilog International Animation Film Festival"／Budapest／Official Selection "Türkiye International AI Film Festival"／Turkey／Semifinalist "Video Creative Challenge 2024"／Japan／Grand Prix "Sobh International Media Festival 2025"／Iran／Official Selection
4:00 PM
Panel Discussion
Stage A
The Future of Authenticity
Telling Human Stories in the Age of Machines
Moderated by Leslie Xiong, a film curator and champion of Asian independent cinema, explores what authenticity means in an era where faces, voices, and memories can be artificially generated. As AI blurs the line between lived experience and algorithmic imitation, the panel examines how truth and cultural identity can be preserved. Panelists include Qilin Su, a machine learning engineer and comedian exploring AI and storytelling; Mengyu Dong, a Stanford Knight-Hennessy Scholar and journalist focused on responsible AI and combating misinformation.
Leslie Xiong
Film Curator and Comedian
Qilin Su
Engineer and Comedian
Mengyu Dong
Stanford Scholar and journalist
Short Film
Stage A
Movimentos Migratórios
(Migratory Movements)
Rogério Cathalá
Portugal | Brazil
14 minutes 39 seconds
SYNOPSIS Pedro Paniagua recently migrated to Brazil and faces a daily challenge for survival. He plans to bring his family when he adapts to the new country. When a swallow falls into his house, he finds himself torn between the routine of searching for a job and trying to save the bird. Every place he goes, he encounters difficulties that reflect his own status as an immigrant. Pedro persists in his promise to save the bird as a mission that proves transformative.
BIOGRAPHY Screenwriter and director from with a Master's degree from ECA-USP. He develops projects with Eva Freire at the creative office Tropical Dystopia. Winner of the best pilot award at FRAPA and finalist at GUIÕES. He has written and directed three short films with diverse selections and a nomination for a CILECT award. "Sombra no Espelho", his first feature film in development, was selected to Writer's 51 Lab, Panlab, BrLab and was a finalist at Cabíria Lab. Rogério is part of the Paradiso Talent Network.
Tech Talk
Stage A
4:30 PM
Amotions.ai is an AI startup dedicated to bringing emotional intelligence into digital experiences. By combining affective computing with cutting-edge generative technologies, Amotions.ai enables machines to recognize, respond to, and even simulate human emotions. Their tools empower creators, brands, and developers to craft more engaging, emotionally resonant interactions—whether in avatars, storytelling, customer engagement, or immersive environments. With a focus on making AI more human-aware, Amotions.ai is helping shape a future where technology connects not just logically, but emotionally.
CEO
Pianpian Xu Guthrie
Short Film
Stage A
Comedy Family Style Preview
Helen Chu
United States
9 minutes 49 seconds
SYNOPSIS This is a documentary film about building connection between mother and son through doing comedy and traveling together. As a mom comedian, I’m making it because I think this story resonates with many modern family dynamics between a parent and child. Not everyone is a natural parent. I was not one and did not have a great connection with Evan when he was born. He was a terrible communicator 😝 Through doing comedy we gained more understanding and now are much closer. He’s a superior communicator now, but we still have differences due to our upbringing, my communist childhood in China and his privileged experience in San Francisco lends itself to a lot of interesting and funny discourse.
BIOGRAPHY Helen @helenchucomedy Comedian and filmmaker born in Beijing. Raised by Jewish stepfather. Mom to @evanhocomedy. Evan@evanhocomedy. 11-year-old doing standup comedy. Only child.
Director's Interview
Stage A
An intimate interview with Helen Chu-The Journey of the documentary
Th
Tech Talk
Stage A
5:00 PM
M9Market is a marketing service dedicated to optimizing content creators. Emphasizing original thinking and trend creation, M9Market seeks to stand out in the social media landscape by evoking ideas and fostering creativity. With a focus on data-driven insights, the company aims to empower individuals to become social media experts, enhancing their online presence and engagement.
CEO
Martin Feuillet
Short Film
Stage A
L’acquario
(The Aquarium)
Gianluca Zonta
Italy
13 minutes 46 seconds
SYNOPSIS Vincenzo is on his first date with Sara, he asks for help from an application based on AI, which suggests what to say. A love story is born and they organize a blind date for their best friends, advising them both to use AI.
BIOGRAPHY Born in 1980. Graduated in Computer Science and DAMS Cinema; he obtained the Master in Screenwriting "Carlo Mazzacurati". In 2015 he was a finalist in the Solinas Prize, Experimenta section. He directed the short movies “Pizza Boy” (2019), “The Right to Vote” (2021) and “The Aquarium” (2024) winning of many international film festivals.
Short Film
Stage A
5:30 PM
Meet Me in Chinatown
Jerry Hsiao & Anna Sophie Loewenberg
United States
8 minutes 4 seconds
SYNOPSIS Meet Me in Chinatown tells the story of San Francisco Chinatown’s nightclub era through the lived experience of cabaret dancer Cynthia Yee—then and now. Cynthia, now in her late 70s, continues to move with the grace and vibrancy of her youth, bringing other women her age onstage with her as the Grant Avenue Follies. Together, they flow in a joyful current, disrupting assumptions about aging and its limitations. This film is a heartfelt tribute to the women who lit up the stages of Chinatown’s vibrant nightclub scene and celebrates the enduring power of movement, art, and community.
BIOGRAPHY Anna Sophie Loewenberg is a writer and director passionate about making films set in the Bay Area and Mainland China. She’s best known for her breakout web series Sexy Beijing, dubbed “China’s Sex and the City” by the Today Show, with over 20 million views on YouTube and Chinese social media. She co-directed Meet Me in Chinatown, with Jerry Hsiao, and it won the audience award at the San Francisco Independent Film Festival in 2025. In 2022, her documentary Siberian Butterfly, about the queer coming-out of a traditional Chinese folk art master, premiered at the Drawing Center in New York City.
Director's Interview
Stage A
An intimate interview with Anna Sophie Loewenberg
6:00 PM
Award Gala
Stage A
Sparknify Humanity Award
Awarded by a distinguished panel of judges, the coveted Sparknify Humanity Award will recognize the filmmaker who most compellingly portrays the human spirit — whether produced traditionally or AI generated — serving as a milestone in AI’s creative journey or a tribute to human resilience and imagination.
Best Picture Award
Honoring excellence in traditional filmmaking, this award recognizes outstanding storytelling, visual artistry, and cinematic craftsmanship that together define truly exceptional cinema.
Best AI-Generated Award
This award honors generative AI filmmakers whose work demonstrates exceptional creativity and technical mastery, showcasing AI’s full potential to transform cinematic storytelling.