Reply, a global group specializing in developing new business models powered by Artificial Intelligence, has revealed the jury for the second edition of the Reply AI Film Festival. The festival is an international competition that invites creatives, filmmakers, and videomakers to experiment with AI tools in short film production. This year's theme, "Generation of Emotions", focuses on exploring how AI can evoke authentic emotions through cinematic storytelling, celebrating the intersection of human creativity and technological innovation.

Jury Members for the Reply AI Film Festival

1. Chairperson: Gabriele Muccino

• Gabriele Muccino, renowned Italian director and screenwriter of films like The Pursuit of Happyness and Seven Pounds, will chair the jury.

• Muccino emphasizes that AI is a catalyst for creativity, not a replacement for human talent. As the president of the jury, he will oversee the evaluation of the submissions based on creativity, production quality, and the use of AI throughout the filmmaking process.

2. Returning Jury Members

• Rob Minkoff – Co-director of The Lion King and creator of films like Stuart Little and Mr. Peabody & Sherman.

• Caleb & Shelby Ward – Co-founders of Curious Refuge, an online community for filmmakers using AI.

• Denise Negri – Journalist for SkyTg24 and Sky Arte, covering major international film events.

3. New Jury Members

• Dave Clark – Founder and CCO of Promise, a production company focused on innovative formats created with GenAI artists.

• Charlie Fink – Columnist for Forbes US and expert in Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, and AI.

• Filippo Rizzante – CTO of Reply, bringing a tech-forward perspective.

• Caroline Ingeborn – COO at Luma AI, a platform for creating realistic 3D images and videos.

• Paolo Moroni – Head of Lexus Italy, contributing an understanding of design and creativity in film.

• Guillem Martinez Roura – AI & Robotics Lead at ITU AI for Good, representing the United Nations initiative on using AI for social good.

2025 Theme: "Generation of Emotions"

The 2025 edition will invite filmmakers to explore the potential of AI in evoking real emotions in cinematic storytelling. The jury will evaluate submissions on:

• Creativity

• Production quality

• Use of AI in all stages, from scriptwriting to post-production.

Special Prizes

In addition to the main competition, two special awards will be introduced:

1. Lexus Visionary Award – For the most innovative and forward-thinking production that integrates technology, design, and creativity.

2. AI for Good Award – In partnership with ITU, recognizing the best short film that promotes the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Gabriele Muccino’s Vision

Muccino highlights that the Reply AI Film Festival is an exciting intersection of art and technology. He sees AI as a tool that can help filmmakers push the boundaries of creativity and develop new forms of narrative expression, setting the stage for a new era in filmmaking.

Dave Clark’s Perspective

Clark believes AI is a creative collaborator that empowers filmmakers to experiment and visualize ideas faster, allowing them to bring ambitious stories to life with fewer limitations. AI is seen as a tool for expansion, not a replacement for the human creative spirit that drives film.

Filippo Rizzante’s Insights

Rizzante reflects on the success of the first edition, which received over 1,000 submissions from 59 countries, showcasing the growing global interest in exploring AI’s role in filmmaking.

The Reply AI Film Festival offers an exciting opportunity to showcase how AI can elevate storytelling, pushing the boundaries of creativity. With a distinguished jury and a focus on AI-driven cinematic experiences, the festival is set to inspire filmmakers and celebrate the role of technology in shaping the future of film.