Astoria’s Museum of the Moving Image at 36-01 35th Ave is hosting New York’s first-ever AI Film Festival from May 10-12, spotlighting 21 films made using artificial intelligence. The festival runs all weekend with screenings, panels, and a live demo lab.

The Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria is betting big on the future of cinema with the launch of its first AI Film Festival, running Friday through Sunday. According to festival co-curator Mahyad Tousi, this is the first event of its kind in New York City focused entirely on movies made with artificial intelligence—everything from screenplays authored by OpenAI’s GPT-4 to visuals crafted by Runway and Midjourney.

The festival’s centerpiece is a series of screenings featuring 21 short films and experimental works, all crafted—at least in part—by machine learning tools. Titles include “Synthetic Brooklyn,” produced by DUMBO-based filmmaker Lisa Chang, and “Last Subway,” a surreal look at MTA late-night life, generated with AI animation. Screenings will be followed by Q&As with many of the creators, including Brooklyn College media professor Ahmed Salem.

For audiences who want to get hands-on, the museum is setting up a pop-up AI lab in its lobby, open all weekend. Visitors can try out text-to-video tools and even collaborate on a live project projected onto the museum’s main wall. Museum director Carl Goodman says the goal is to “demystify” AI for New Yorkers and show its creative potential beyond the tech hype.

Completing the festival lineup, Sunday’s panel discussion promises a debate on the ethics of AI art, with guests from NYU, the New York Civil Liberties Union, and a representative from the Writers Guild of America East. Tickets for the festival are $18 ($12 for Queens residents with ID), and all event details are available at movingimage.us.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where and when is the AI Film Festival taking place?

The festival runs from Friday, May 10 to Sunday, May 12 at the Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Ave, Astoria, Queens. Events include screenings, panels, and hands-on demos. Tickets are available online and at the museum’s front desk.

What kinds of films are being shown at the festival?

All 21 films were created using artificial intelligence tools for writing, animation, or editing. Genres span documentary, experimental shorts, and narrative films. Filmmakers come from New York and internationally.

Can visitors participate in any interactive activities?

Yes, the festival includes an AI lab in the lobby where attendees can try AI filmmaking tools, collaborate on a live project, and talk with artists and technologists. The hands-on activities run throughout festival hours and are included with ticket admission.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the AI Film Festival in New York City being held?

The AI Film Festival is being held at the Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Ave, Astoria, Queens.

When does the AI Film Festival at the Museum of the Moving Image take place?

The festival runs from Friday, May 10 to Sunday, May 12.

What types of films are featured at the AI Film Festival in Astoria?

The festival features 21 films created using AI tools for writing, animation, or editing, including documentaries, experimental shorts, and narrative films.

Are there interactive activities for visitors at the AI Film Festival?

Yes, attendees can participate in an AI lab with hands-on demos, try text-to-video tools, and collaborate on a live project.

How much do tickets cost for the AI Film Festival at the Museum of the Moving Image?

Tickets are $18, or $12 for Queens residents with ID.

Editorial Transparency. A first draft of this story was produced with AI-assisted writing tools, then reviewed for accuracy and tone by the named editor before publication. More on our process: Editorial Policy.