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

Yo-Tera Yo-Tera Inc. (CEO: Yuka Kobayashi, Minato-ku) has joined the executive committee for the first Japan-hosted event (WAIFF 2026 in KYOTO) of the WORLD AI FILM FESTIVAL (WAIFF), the world's first and largest AI film festival, which made a global impact in Nice, France in April 2025.

WAIFF 2026 in KYOTO Group Photo

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

Launched in Nice, France in April 2025, the "WORLD AI FILM FESTIVAL (WAIFF)" quickly garnered global attention. Founded by Marco Landi, former President of Apple Computer Europe (now Apple Inc.) and Global Chief Operating Officer, the festival clearly envisioned "exploring the intersection of film and artificial intelligence." It achieved unprecedented success for a debut event, receiving over 1,500 AI film submissions from 53 countries and regions, and attracting over 2,000 attendees and industry professionals.

The rapid advancement of AI technology is bringing about significant transformations in all aspects of society, particularly in the creative industries. In filmmaking, AI is evolving from a mere efficiency tool to a partner that stimulates human imagination and infinitely expands new expressive possibilities. WAIFF is precisely the platform needed globally today to showcase the future of visual culture woven by this "co-creation between AI and humans" and to establish its international standards.

From Kyoto to Cannes: Passion and Vision Leading to a Successful Japan Event

Amidst this global trend, WAIFF, under the theme "Road to WAIFF Cannes 2026," held preliminary film festivals in four international partner cities: Brazil, South Korea, China, and Japan (Kyoto). The Japan event, "WORLD AI FILM FESTIVAL 2026 in KYOTO (WAIFF KYOTO)," was grandly held on March 12th and 13th, 2026, at ROHM Theatre Kyoto, concluding with great success.

WAIFF 2026 in KYOTO Key Visual

Future Outlook: AI Creativity Spreading from Japan to the World

WAIFF KYOTO attracted a wide range of innovative works at the forefront of the times, including AI-powered short and feature films, vertical micro-series for social media, commercials, and script + AI teasers from all over Japan, with 39 finalist works selected. These works demonstrated that AI can be more than just technology, but a "new creative partner" when humans express deep emotions and stories.

The outstanding works selected at WAIFF KYOTO will be officially entered into the main competition, "WAIFF Cannes 2026," to be held in Cannes, France, in April 2026, providing an opportunity to showcase their talent to the world in the mecca of cinema. This is a crucial step for Japanese AI creators to succeed on the international stage and signifies a true "challenge from Japan to the world," disseminating the future of visual culture, co-created by AI and humans, globally.

Yo-Tera Yo-Tera Inc., as a member of the WAIFF JAPAN Executive Committee, will continue to promote the fusion of AI and creativity and contribute to the development of next-generation visual culture. Believing in the infinite possibilities brought by AI, we aim to continue delivering inspiration and surprise to the world through harmony with human creativity.

Inquiries

Inquiries regarding works: [email protected]

Inquiries regarding promotion: Freestone Takamatsu/Nagamatsu ([email protected])

Print Media: Takako Hoshi (090-6120-8733 [email protected])

Broadcast Media: Beniko Yamaguchi (090-3477-1206 [email protected])

Web: Takako Nagamatsu ([email protected])

WAIFF JAPAN Executive Committee: 14F Nakano Sakaue Sunbright Twin, 2-46-1 Honcho, Nakano-ku, Tokyo (within the office of the lead company: TOKYO EPIC Inc.)

Yo-Tera Yo-Tera Inc.: [email protected]

WAIFF JAPAN Executive Committee