Yotera Yotera Inc. Participates as Executive Committee Member in WAIFF 2026 in KYOTO, the World's First and Largest AI Film Festival

Yotera Yotera Inc. (Representative Director: Yuka Kobayashi, Minato-ku) has participated as an executive committee member in the first Japan-hosted edition (WAIFF 2026 in KYOTO) of the world's first and largest AI film festival, "WORLD AI FILM FESTIVAL (WAIFF)," which made a global impact in Nice, France, in April 2025.

The New Era of Visual Expression Opened by AI: WAIFF, Its Birth and Global Trends

In April 2025, the "WORLD AI FILM FESTIVAL (WAIFF)" was born in Nice, France, and quickly garnered global attention. Founded by Marco Landi, former President of Apple Computer (now Apple Inc.) Europe and Global Chief Operating Officer (COO), the festival set a clear vision to "explore the intersection of film and artificial intelligence." It achieved unprecedented success for a debut event, with over 1,500 AI films submitted from 53 countries and regions, and more than 2,000 spectators and stakeholders attending.

The rapid evolution of AI technology is bringing significant transformation to all aspects of society, especially the creative industries. In the field of video production, AI is no longer just a tool for efficiency but is becoming a partner that stimulates human imagination and infinitely expands new possibilities for expression. WAIFF is precisely presenting this future visual culture woven by "AI and human co-creation," and is now needed globally as a hub to establish its international standards.

From Kyoto to Cannes: Passion and Vision Leading to the Success of the Japan Hosting

Amidst this global trend, WAIFF, under the theme "Road to WAIFF Cannes 2026," saw four cities—Brazil, South Korea, China, and Japan (Kyoto)—become international partners, hosting qualifying film festivals. The Japan-hosted "WORLD AI FILM FESTIVAL 2026 in KYOTO (WAIFF KYOTO)" was grandly held on March 12-13, 2026, at ROHM Theatre Kyoto, concluding with great success.

Future Outlook: AI Creative Works Soaring from Japan to the World

WAIFF KYOTO attracted a wide range of innovative works from across Japan, including AI-powered short and feature films, vertical micro-series for social media, advertising videos, and scripts + AI teasers, with 39 finalists selected. These works proved that when humans express emotions and stories deeply, AI can become not just a technology, but a "new creative partner."

Outstanding works selected at WAIFF KYOTO will be presented in France in April 2026.