Urbanworld Festival to Accept AI-Generated Films for 30th Anniversary, Launches ‘UrbanworldAI’ in Partnership with NY’s New School (EXCLUSIVE)

The Urbanworld Film Festival announced on September 19, 2024, that it will accept AI-generated films for its 30th anniversary festival, marking a significant shift in how the industry engages with artificial intelligence. This decision positions Urbanworld as one of the first major film festivals to formally integrate AI-created content into its programming. The festival, which has historically championed stories from Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) creators, will launch a new initiative called 'UrbanworldAI'. This program is developed in partnership with The New School, a university in New York City, aiming to explore the intersection of AI and filmmaking. The festival's embrace of AI-generated films comes at a time when Hollywood is actively debating the role and impact of artificial intelligence on creative industries, including filmmaking and screenwriting. Urbanworld has previously served as a launchpad for notable directors such as Ryan Coogler and Ava DuVernay, highlighting its commitment to fostering new talent and diverse narratives.