AI meets cinema at the Mumbai AI filmmaking festival: Redefining India’s creative future at the royal opera house
By Bollywood Hungama News Network Thu Nov 6 18:05:59 IST
The event attracted more than 1,200 applicants, out of which 15 teams were selected to produce AI-powered short films. These films premiered on the red carpet before an audience of filmmakers, industry leaders, and storytellers from across the globe.
A Fusion of Technology and Imagination
The true highlight of the festival was not only the advanced technology but the creative energy it inspired. Filmmakers and creators from Dubai, San Francisco, Singapore, and 20 Indian states gathered to showcase how AI can expand the boundaries of storytelling rather than replace human creativity. In total, 37 creators were invited to Mumbai on an all-expense-paid trip to take part in the event.
Red Carpet Premieres and Star Presence
The festival concluded with the premiere of 15 AI-generated short films, evaluated by an esteemed jury including Mukul Deora, Kunal Kapoor, Ram Madhvani, and Shakun Batra. The red carpet came alive with appearances from Tanmay Bhat, Riteish Deshmukh, Karan Anshuman, Kunal Kapoor, and Shakun Batra, along with representatives from Netflix India, JioHotstar, and Google, all eager to experience what many described as “the future of storytelling.”
Legacy Meets Innovation
Adding a touch of luxury to the evening, Big Boy Toyz (BBT) showcased its Rolls-Royce Phantom 8 at the entrance of the Royal Opera House. The car became a symbolic centerpiece, reflecting the harmony between timeless craftsmanship and modern technology. “For us at Big Boy Toyz, supporting an event that celebrates innovation in art and technology felt natural,” said a BBT spokesperson. “The Rolls-Royce represented how legacy and innovation can coexist beautifully.”
Stories that Question and Inspire
The AI-powered films explored a range of compelling themes, including identity, consciousness, climate change, and emotion — showing how technology can enhance, not overshadow, human storytelling. Director Shakun Batra praised the initiative, saying, “This festival feels like the first spark for India’s AI filmmaking movement. It’s giving new voices a chance to imagine and be heard.”
Actor and entrepreneur Kunal Kapoor, who also served as a judge, added, “Watching the incredible content on display felt like witnessing the future unfold in real time. The Royal Opera House buzzed with creative energy — the future isn’t coming, it’s already here.”
A Digital Buzz Beyond the Screen
The festival’s innovative spirit extended to its atmosphere. AI-powered humanoid robots greeted guests, and robotic dogs interacted with visitors, creating a futuristic experience that quickly went viral online. The event trended at #3 on X (Twitter) with more than 300 posts in 48 hours, amassing over 10 million views across social platforms. A highlight video of Riteish Deshmukh’s red carpet moment with a humanoid robot and BBT’s Rolls-Royce garnered over 3.3 million views.
A Vision Brought to Life in Record Time
Organized and executed in just 25 days by a young team led by Hardeep Gambhir and Chandan Perla of LocalHost, the festival showcased the determination and creativity of India’s next generation of innovators.
At a time when the boundaries between art and technology are rapidly evolving, the Mumbai AI Filmmaking Festival stood as a landmark event — proving that the timeless allure of cinema and the limitless potential of AI can come together to redefine the future of storytelling.