TBWA launches all-AI film festival
TBWA Australia has launched the country’s first dedicated generative artificial intelligence film festival, aiming to put Australia on the global creative map for its use of AI.
The Disrupt AI Film Festival (DAIFF), which is now open for entries at daiff.com.au, has opened a call-out for short films created using AI, exploring the theme “Humans and their tools.”
The festival will culminate in a national showcase and live screening event on October 29, 2025, featuring commentary from creative leaders, and panels exploring ethics, talent, and the future of AI-powered storytelling.
As AI tools like Flow, Sora and Runway rapidly reshape how video is created, questions around authorship, craft, and creative control are becoming more urgent.
“The Disrupt festival is a platform for filmmaking with humans using GenAI tools,” said TBWA’s chief creative officer Paul Reardon. “We’re looking to surface some amazing local Australian talent. It’s open to anyone here with an interest in film and storytelling.”
Reardon added: “The theme was chosen very carefully, to prove a point. The creative tools generative AI continues to deliver are incredible. But as with any tools in our history, it’s the skill of the craftsperson wielding them that makes the difference.”
While international GenAI festivals in markets like New York and London dominate the spotlight, Australian creators have had limited visibility. DAIFF is intended to change that, giving Australian creatives a platform to create and influence the future of storytelling.
“We’re witnessing a rapid rise in international GenAI film festivals and Australia needs a seat at that table,” said Lucio Ribeiro, TBWA’s chief AI and innovation officer.
“Disrupt provides this seat. We’re not here to observe the future of storytelling, we’re here to shape it with our own community. And we’ll do it with transparency, accountability, and humans at the centre.” Ribeiro recently joined TBWA Australia after innovation roles at Optus, Seven West Media, and Nine
DAIFF will celebrate standout work across four categories, with a Grand Prix winner taking home a $15,000 prize.
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