Dilip Guha ★ Sasraya News, New Delhi : The International Film Festival Delhi (IFFD) 2026, in association with LTM and powered by IDFC FIRST Bank, has announced the launch of a nationwide AI Filmmaking Hackathon—a 48-hour creative challenge inviting participants to reimagine storytelling through artificial intelligence.
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LTM, a global AI-focused technology services company and part of Larsen & Toubro, brings its expertise in business AI to the initiative. With a workforce of over 87,000 employees across 40 countries, the company combines human insight with intelligent systems to drive innovation at the intersection of technology and domain expertise.
Positioned at the crossroads of cinema and emerging technology, the hackathon will serve as an intensive creative sprint. Participants will conceptualise and produce original 2–3 minute short films using fully AI-driven workflows. The initiative is anchored by LTM CraftStudio, reflecting LTM’s ongoing commitment to advancing new forms of creative and technological expression.
Scheduled to run virtually from March 25 to 27, 2026, the hackathon will coincide with the inaugural edition of IFFD 2026, taking place across New Delhi from March 25 to 31. Open to creators across India, the competition allows individuals and teams of up to five members to participate in a fast-paced format designed to encourage rapid ideation, experimentation, and execution.
Entries will be judged on creativity, storytelling, effective use of AI, and overall cinematic impact. Shortlisted films will be evaluated by a final jury and screened during IFFD 2026, offering participants visibility on an international festival platform.
The hackathon will award ₹3 lakh for Best Film and ₹2 lakh for Runner-up, recognising projects that push the boundaries of AI-led filmmaking.
IDFC FIRST Bank, known for its customer-first and ethical approach to banking, continues to support initiatives that promote culture, innovation, and technology, enabling platforms that nurture creativity and new ideas.
IFFD 2026 is a government-led, citywide festival organised by the Delhi Tourism & Transport Development Corporation in association with the Government of Delhi, with KPMG serving as the knowledge partner. Featuring over 125 Indian and international films, the festival will host screenings, discussions, and industry engagements across major venues, including Bharat Mandapam.
As a weeklong celebration of global cinema, IFFD 2026 aims to bring together filmmakers, industry leaders, and audiences, while initiatives like the AI Filmmaking Hackathon expand the festival’s scope into the evolving landscape of digital creativity.
