In August 2025, Runway, a leading platform known for its innovative AI applications in creative industries, partnered with IMAX, a global leader in immersive cinema, to present a groundbreaking showcase of AI-created films. This collaboration aimed to bring the winners of the AI Film Festival to audiences in 10 major U. S. cities, marking a significant milestone in storytelling through advanced technology integration. The AI Film Festival celebrates AI’s creative potential in filmmaking, featuring works that push traditional narrative boundaries by using machine learning, neural networks, and other AI tools in the artistic process. The Runway-IMAX partnership elevated these cutting-edge films from digital platforms to the large-scale, immersive environment of IMAX theaters, amplifying their innovative spirit. Jonathan Fischer, IMAX’s Chief Content Officer, expressed enthusiasm about merging technology and storytelling, highlighting the exciting possibilities arising from experimenting with AI as a new kind of creator and its potential to transform cinematic arts. Screenings took place in 10 major metropolitan areas—including New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, and San Francisco—each hosting events featuring award-winning films, alongside panel discussions and Q&A sessions with filmmakers and AI experts. These dialogues explored AI’s impact on creativity and the evolving collaboration between humans and machines in filmmaking. The festival winners showcased diverse genres and styles, ranging from experimental narratives and abstract visuals to science fiction and documentaries. These films demonstrated AI’s versatility in crafting compelling stories, complex characters, and striking visuals that challenge conventional cinema norms. Runway played a critical role in curating selections and managing the technical aspects needed to present AI-generated content suitable for IMAX’s large screens, high resolution, and advanced sound systems. This collaboration highlighted Runway’s commitment to advancing AI technologies to expand creative possibilities and support pioneering artists. This initiative reflects a broader entertainment industry trend, where AI is increasingly viewed as a creative partner rather than solely a tool.

AI influences scriptwriting, editing, visual effects, and sound design, reshaping many facets of film production and enabling new storytelling innovations. However, AI’s integration raises important questions about authorship, artistic integrity, and creativity’s nature. The festival and screenings provided a platform to discuss these issues, inviting creators, technologists, and audiences to consider how the human element remains central even as AI contributes to content generation. IMAX’s investment in showcasing AI-generated films aligns with its mission to deliver unparalleled cinematic experiences that captivate audiences and expand visual storytelling boundaries. Embracing AI as a novel creative form positions IMAX at the forefront of entertainment technology innovation. The success of the AI Film Festival tour across U. S. cities may inspire similar future collaborations, encouraging more festivals, studios, and distributors to explore AI’s role in filmmaking and distribution. As AI matures, its influence on the film industry will likely grow stronger. Events like the AI Film Festival, supported by visionary partnerships such as Runway and IMAX, demonstrate how technology can enrich storytelling, engage audiences uniquely, and redefine creative limits. In summary, the August 2025 partnership between Runway and IMAX to showcase AI Film Festival winners in 10 major U. S. cities marks a landmark moment where technology and cinema converge. It underscores AI’s integral role in the creative process, opening new horizons for filmmakers and audiences. Through immersive screenings and meaningful discussions, this collaboration advances the dialogue on filmmaking’s future amid rapid technological advancement.