mk2 unveils second annual AI film festival to highlight ethical use of artificial intelligence

French film powerhouse MK2 collaborates with the leading data and AI companies’ artifacts from the 2nd Annual Artifacts AI Film Festival, designed to bridge the innovation of artificial intelligence in the creative filmmaking process.

Director Cedric Klapisch was appointed ju-degree in an event that highlighted the international competition for short films made with AI.

“For AI to become a new and creative tool, it is absolutely essential that this artificial intelligence is not guided by the natural stupidity of certain humans,” Klapisch said of his participation.

This competition is open to both experienced and first-time filmmakers who are tasked with creating short films of less than 314 seconds using at least one generation AI tool at each production stage.

There are four prizes available. The best films are the Grand Prix worth 10,000 euros, the Juju Award of 1,000 euros, and the Audience Award of 1,000 euros for the most online voted films, as well as the artifact “AI’s Best Use” award, which offers support in the form of an incubator for the production of future films.

The theme of the second edition of the festival’s AI Film Festival is “(Dis) Play,” which pays homage to the world of gaming, from children’s entertainment to role-playing and word games.

The festival was launched on a wide range of industry concerns regarding the need for copyright respect and the ethical use of AI. Each participant must provide a production log detailing the use of the generated AI tools to ensure transparency and respect for intellectual property.

While the event may be a surprise as MK2 is known to be a hub for the production, distribution and international sales of autuer-led films, MK2’s CO-CEO Elisha Kalmitz explained:

MK2 is making a feature film for Raphael Frydman, whose short “La Vie Quand T’ai Mort” won the top prize at last year’s first AI Film Festival event.

Karmitz called the upcoming project an “extension of festival profession: to reveal new talent, push back the boundaries of creation, and maintain high-quality standards of storytelling.”

Vincent Luciani, co-founder and CEO of Artefact, added: “In a world where AI is sometimes perceived by fear, we wanted to open up another space.