The Astana AI Film Festival (AAIFF 2026) was officially presented in Beijing at Shougang Park, where organizers announced China as the festival’s official partner following the signing of a strategic cooperation agreement, DKNews.kz reports.
The presentation was held alongside the Kazakhstan–China Forum on Innovation in AI Film and Television with the support of the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in China.
The event brought together representatives of leading technology companies, film studios, universities, research institutions, investment organizations, AI developers, and film industry professionals from both countries.
Memorandum Establishes Long-Term Cooperation
A major highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between the Astana AI Film Festival Foundation and Beijing Zhongguancun Tongli Technology Service Co., Ltd.
The agreement provides a framework for cooperation in:
- AI-powered filmmaking
- AIGC technologies
- Science fiction content
- Investment
- International distribution
Under the memorandum, the Chinese company becomes the official partner of the Astana AI Film Festival in China.
Building a Global AI Film Ecosystem
Almas Zhali, Co-Founder and Chairman of the Board of the Astana AI Film Festival, said the partnership represents an important milestone for both countries.
«China is one of the world's key partners in shaping the global AI film ecosystem. It is home to leading technology companies, outstanding creative talent, and the world's largest digital content market. This memorandum marks the beginning of a long-term strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and China in the creative industries.»
The organizers described the agreement as the foundation for future collaboration between the two countries in artificial intelligence and digital creative industries.
Festival to Welcome International Creators
During the presentation, organizers introduced the international concept of the Astana AI Film Festival, which will take place in Astana from October 1–3, 2026, as part of Astana AI Week.
Co-Founder and Creative Director Aizatulla Hussein said the festival is designed to create equal opportunities for creators worldwide.
«Artificial intelligence is reshaping the language of filmmaking and making creativity truly global. Today, talented creators can produce world-class films from virtually anywhere in the world. That is why the Astana AI Film Festival is being created as an open international platform where projects are judged not by their country of origin, but by the strength of their ideas, the quality of their storytelling, and the excellence of their execution. We are confident that our partnership with China will create new opportunities for filmmakers and creators in both countries.»
Experts Discuss the Future of AI Cinema
Following the presentation, participants took part in the Kazakhstan–China Forum on Innovation in AI Film and Television.
Panel discussions explored a wide range of topics, including:
- Artificial intelligence in film production
- AI-generated content (AIGC)
- Transformation of creative workflows
- International co-production
- Global distribution opportunities
The discussions featured executives and experts from:
- PixVerse AI
- AI Research Institute of China Film Group
- Bauhinia Films (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.
- Zhongguancun Science Fiction Industry Innovation Center
- Other leading Chinese AI companies
Participants exchanged views on how artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of the global film industry.
Festival to Feature $1 Million Prize Fund
The Astana AI Film Festival is scheduled to take place in autumn 2026 and aims to become one of the world's leading international events dedicated to AI-powered filmmaking.
The program will include:
- International film competition
- Total prize fund of $1 million
- Industry conference
- Project pitching sessions
- Meetings with global experts in AI, cinema, and digital creativity
Organizers expect the festival to become a major international platform connecting technology companies, filmmakers, researchers, and investors.
Why This Matters
The partnership between Kazakhstan and China reflects the growing role of artificial intelligence in the global creative economy.
By combining China's technological leadership with Kazakhstan's ambition to establish an international AI film platform, the cooperation could create new opportunities for cross-border production, investment, and innovation in digital storytelling.
The Astana AI Film Festival also positions Kazakhstan as an emerging international hub at the intersection of artificial intelligence, filmmaking, and creative technologies.
