The National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), in partnership with LTM, has launched the CinemAI Hackathon, a 48-hour AI filmmaking challenge being held alongside the Mumbai International Film Festival 2026.

The initiative has attracted more than 180 registrations from filmmakers, storytellers, technologists and content creators from across India, reflecting growing interest in the convergence of artificial intelligence and cinema.

Spearheaded by LTM BlueVerse CraftStudio, the hackathon challenges participants to create original short films using AI-powered tools across various stages of the filmmaking process. This year’s theme, ‘Mumbai Through a Thousand Eyes,’ invites creators to explore and interpret the city through perspectives shaped by memory, imagination and lived experiences.

Participants have been tasked with producing films between 90 and 120 seconds in duration, demonstrating innovative storytelling techniques while leveraging emerging AI technologies.

Following the completion of the challenge, a jury screening is scheduled for June 18, during which the top 10 films will be shortlisted. The selected films will then be screened publicly at MIFF on June 20, offering festival audiences an opportunity to experience AI-driven storytelling.

The winning team will receive a cash prize of Rs.1.5 lakh along with a certificate, while the runner-up will be awarded ₹1 lakh and a certificate. The remaining eight shortlisted teams will receive certificates recognising their achievement.

Commenting on the initiative, Prakash Magdum said cinema has always evolved alongside technology and that artificial intelligence represents the next frontier in storytelling. He said the hackathon provides a platform for filmmakers and innovators to experiment, collaborate and explore new creative possibilities.

Sujay Sen said the future of storytelling lies at the intersection of human creativity and technology. He added that the AI Cinema Hackathon is aimed at encouraging Indian filmmakers to actively shape the future of AI-powered content creation rather than simply observe it.

With strong participation from creators across multiple disciplines, the CinemAI Hackathon has emerged as one of the notable attractions of MIFF 2026, highlighting the growing role of artificial intelligence in cinematic expression and content creation.