On Screen at AWFF: The AI Films and Filmmakers Behind the Conversation
From original AI series and animated shorts to new cinematic concepts, Real Reel reveals the screening lineup and speakers for The Human Side of AI Filmmaking on November 15.
What happens when AI-generated images move beyond experiments and become part of actual films, characters, and stories?
This Sunday, November 15, during the 12th Asian World Film Festival (AWFF), Real Reel and SHÙ Studio bring a selection of AI films to The Culver Theater in Culver City, followed by an industry conversation on The Human Side of AI Filmmaking.
Presented with GMI Cloud and AI on the LOT, the program brings together different approaches to AI filmmaking, from independent creators building original cinematic worlds to animation directors and production teams exploring new storytelling methods.
On Screen: The Screening Lineup
Seven selections across AI short films, original series, and concept trailers, each offering a different perspective on what filmmakers are creating with AI.
The Chronicles of Bone — Chapter Six: The Ghost of the Dawn Spawn ↗
24 min | Created by Kavan the Kid | A Magnific Original Series
A chapter from Kavan Cardoza's dark fantasy AI series, built around an expansive fictional world, cinematic storytelling, and recurring characters.
Comedy of Bruises — Concept Trailer ↗
3 min 41 sec | Created by VØYD | NØRM+VØYD
An action-driven concept trailer combining high-energy stunt sequences with a playful dialogue scene, exploring a hybrid approach to filmmaking.
Crazy Rari: Fables, Ep 1 ↗
2 min 15 sec | Created by Abok | Fable Showrunner
A stylized animated short that brings a distinctive visual language to AI storytelling.
PERFECT SØ — Concept Trailer ↗
2 min 28 sec | Created by VØYD | NØRM+VØYD
A fast-paced psychological sci-fi thriller concept exploring identity and the increasingly blurred boundaries between human and artificial performers.
Days of Elio ↗
3 min 19 sec | Created by Olga Baranova | Fable Showrunner
A charming animated short with a gentle, imaginative approach to character and storytelling.
CANE MAN ↗
18 min 58 sec | Created by NOAH | NOAH HOUSE
An original AI short film from NOAH HOUSE, an emerging production company developing original films and stories using AI as part of the filmmaking process.
Afahira, Ep 1 ↗
3 min 34 sec | Created by Billy Woodward | Fable Showrunner
A character-driven fantasy animation, bringing an imaginative world to life through AI-assisted production.
Meet the Panel: The Human Side of AI Filmmaking
Following the screening, filmmakers and industry professionals will discuss what actually goes into making these projects: the creative decisions, production challenges, collaboration, and emerging opportunities behind AI filmmaking.
Momo Wang ↗
Animation Director · Creator of Tuzki · Founder, Bunny Galaxy
Creator of Tuzki, the globally recognized cartoon character later acquired by Warner Bros., Momo previously served as an Animation and Creative Director at Illumination. Her AI animated short WINK premiered during the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, and she is now directing large-scale animated productions using generative AI.
Kavan Cardoza (Kavan the Kid) ↗
AI Filmmaker · Co-Founder, Phantom X
Creator of The Chronicles of Bone, Kavan brings hands-on experience developing cinematic narratives and original worlds using generative AI, with a particular focus on storytelling, character consistency, and creative control.
Todd Terrazas ↗
Co-Founder, AI on the LOT
As co-founder of AI on the LOT and founder of AI LA, Todd works at the intersection of filmmaking, technology, and creative communities, connecting artists and industry professionals exploring new production methods.
Roan Weigert ↗
Developer Relations Lead, GMI Cloud · Video Director
Combining a background in video production with AI engineering, Roan brings a practical perspective on generative video workflows, production infrastructure, and what it takes to bring emerging technology into real creative processes.
Moderated by Celine Zen ↗
Film Producer · Founder, SHÙ Studio / Real Reel
A French-Chinese producer with over two decades of experience in international cinema, Celine serves as President of the Short Film Program Jury at AWFF 2026. She is a European Film Academy member and Berlinale Talents 2023 producer.
The discussion will explore how filmmakers maintain their creative voice, what still requires human judgment and collaboration, and how these new production methods could shape the future of storytelling and the entertainment business.
Event Information
Scaling Long-Form AI Video with MCP #LATechWeek
Wednesday, October 14, 2026
11:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Santa Monica, Los Angeles
Join Us at AWFF
Sunday, November 15, 2026
The Culver Theater — Culver City, Los Angeles
4:00–5:30 PM — AI Film Screening
5:30–7:00 PM — Industry Panel & Audience Q&A
Free admission with approved RSVP. Limited seating. VIP reserved seating is also available.
→ Register on Luma
Presented by RR / SHÙ Studio, with GMI Cloud as Co-Host, in collaboration with the Asian World Film Festival and AI on the LOT as Community Partner.
Further Reading
Real Reel × UCLA: Inside UCLA's Vertical Storytelling Night — A recap of Real Reel's event with UCLA TFT, featuring two industry panels, a student showcase and discussions about storytelling, production and new opportunities for filmmakers.
AI Can Make the Movie. Now What? — At GMI Summer Signal ’26, Ali Albazaz, Steve Bannerman, Luma AI’s Gray Crawford and GMI Cloud’s Yujing Qian discussed what happens once AI tools are good enough to enter real production — from creative control and model switching to consistency, infrastructure and scale.
Real Reel
