Cannes, February 18, 2026 – The 5th edition of the World Artificial Intelligence Cannes Festival (WAICF) took place over two days, February 12 and 13, 2026, at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès in Cannes. The event brought together professionals, experts, and enthusiasts to explore the impact of artificial intelligence across industries, with a special focus on the world of cinema.
Among the highlights, Julien Raout, filmmaker and artistic director of the World AI Film Festival (WAiFF), presented how AI is reshaping cinematic creation. He emphasized the role of technology as a tool for innovation and narrative enhancement, rather than as a replacement for human creativity.
“Artificial intelligence opens up new artistic possibilities, allows experimentation with innovative visual forms, and democratizes access to creation,” said Julien Raout during his talk.
The World AI Film Festival, led by Julien Raout, showcases films integrating AI, providing creators with an international platform to present their work and experiment with new narrative techniques.
The discussions also addressed ethical considerations in AI-driven cinema, including ownership of AI-generated content and the role of humans in the creative process, highlighting the importance of balancing technological innovation with artistic responsibility.
The 5th WAICF edition confirmed that the cinema of the future will be hybrid, combining human ingenuity with algorithmic power, positioning AI as a true creative partner for filmmakers and storytellers.
