The AI Film Academy made a spectacular debut at the Non Fungible Conference (NFC) in Lisbon with the inaugural AI Film Awards (AIFA), this groundbreaking event brought together the worlds of film, art, music, and fashion, highlighting the transformative potential of AI in filmmaking.
A Night to Remember
The highlight of the evening was the red carpet gala, where over 400 guests embarked on an immersive cinematic journey, the AI Film Awards celebrated 13 finalist films selected from an open call across six continents.
![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/glinh2z7/production/2d0e9ff7b00af60b40fccdaeb983204aec2b581e-3285x2190.jpg?fit=max&auto=format)
The awards ceremony featured a star-studded lineup of attendees, including Beeple, Vincent D’Onofrio, and Randi Zuckerberg, alongside leading Web3 technologists and entrepreneurs.
Award-Winning Films and Creators
The AIFA recognized outstanding achievements across various categories, with "Denny the Shark" by Ethereal Moon (Ethereal Gwirl & LeMoon) taking home the award for Best Film, this dark tale of a shark in need of a dentist captivated the audience and showcased the creative synergy between the collaborators.
— AIFA (@aiFilmAcademy) May 30, 2024
Other notable winners included "Birthday Story" by Rainisto, which won the Innovation Award; "You Are, Unfortunately, an AI Artist" by Mind Wank, which won Best Narrative; "Not a problem." by B O E Y, which won Best Visuals; "AInferno" by Mflux, which won Best Sound; and "Bacillus Anthracis" by Hallidonto, which won the Community Award.
A Milestone for AI and Blockchain in Film
Clare Maguire and Leo Crane, co-founders of the AI Film Academy, emphasized the importance of inclusivity and innovation in their mission. "For too long, studios and corporations have restricted opportunities to a privileged few," said Maguire.
![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/glinh2z7/production/8bf723243085c1a88c8268281a956999558da4cc-3360x2240.jpg?fit=max&auto=format)
"With AI and blockchain, we are breaking down these barriers and empowering creatives worldwide." Crane highlighted the role of blockchain in enabling creators to monetize, distribute, and authenticate their work, providing unprecedented transparency and new avenues for artists.
![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/glinh2z7/production/fb7721e07b44c2f62df511b15a30f55014987f0c-2048x1364.jpg?fit=max&auto=format)
Jury member Laurence Fuller captured the essence of the event, stating, "Technology for me is an instrument. It’s inanimate, but when human fingers and ideas pick it up, it takes on a spiritual quality. I believe humans transcend technology in our capacity to feel and think and process the world around us."
The Future of Digital Art and Film
The AI Film Academy's influence extends beyond the awards night, works by all 13 finalists, jury members, and featured artists are available to collect on SuperRare, these pieces are also showcased at Casa Nua, the first permanent gallery for digital art in Brazil, and soon at Sotheby’s Institute of Art as a case study for entrepreneurs.
🎥 CASA NUA
— AIFA (@aiFilmAcademy) June 2, 2024
✦ AIFA continues to support our finalist filmmakers with international opportunities. Today all of our finalists are exhibiting in Brazil at @Casa_NUA
✦ @kielorji @arielko2 @mind_wank @Hallidonto shown below
✦ Thank you for partnering with us @HugoFaz pic.twitter.com/n4Rm7hDwTY
The AI Film Academy's inaugural AI Film Awards at NFC Lisbon marked a significant leap forward for the film industry, bridging the gap between creativity and technology, this event set the stage for future innovations in filmmaking, showcasing how AI and blockchain can democratize the industry and empower a new generation of filmmakers.