Set to screen over four days in a first-of-its-kind event across the globe (spanning 40 screenings in total that will take place at IMAX locations in New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Seattle, Dallas, Boston, Atlanta, Denver and Washington, D.C.), this partnership between Runway and IMAX is a big deal.

And, despite quite a bit of feedback from those online asking questions about why IMAX would partner with a generative AI company, it doesn’t appear that either brand is backing down from this celebration of AI filmmaking.

Let’s explore what we know about this 2025 AIFF and what each brand is saying about this event and its controversy.

Runway’s 2025 AIFF

Established in 2022, Runway describes its AIFF as “a celebration of the art and artists embracing new and emerging AI tools for filmmaking.” This new, exclusive IMAX screening series will mark the first time AIFF-winning films will be shown in theaters across the US.

“In just three years, our AI Film Festival has become the premiere showcase of new film and media. The quality, variety and storytelling of these films deserves a premium viewing experience. This partnership will bring AIFF to thousands of moviegoers across America, at the highest possible quality.” — Cristóbal Valenzuela, co-founder and CEO, Runway.

With over 6,000 films submitted to this year’s edition, these 10 AIFF films aim to offer a unique glimpse into a new era of AI filmmaking. The films have been selected by an acclaimed panel of jurors, including the likes of Gaspar Noé, Harmony Korine, Jane Rosenthal, and more.

IMAX AI Experience

Obviously, what’s most unique about this year’s AIFF is that it will be happening on IMAX screens. Which, over the past few decades, have become quite synonymous with the most pure way to celebrate a love of high-spectacle filmmaking and a means to support the tentpole films propping up the film industry overall.

Here’s what IMAX has had to share about the opportunity.

“The IMAX Experience has typically been reserved for the world’s most accomplished and visionary filmmakers and we’re excited to open our aperture and use our platform to experiment with a new kind of creator, as storytelling and technology converge in an entirely new way. How these tools will shape filmmaking is an area for us to continue to explore while honoring the intent of our creative partners.” — Jonathan Fischer, Chief Content Officer, IMAX.

Far be it from us to cast judgment on IMAX for supporting AI filmmaking. It’s obviously a new revolution that isn’t backing down, regardless of who attempts to push it back. However, it is sparking an interesting debate online about what role the established film institutions, like IMAX, should play in support or opposition of generative AI filmmaking.

How do you feel about the 2025 AI Film Festival? If you’re at least partly curious, you can find out more on the AIFF website here or the IMAX AIFF screening list here.