The Content AI conference and film festival, dedicated to the role of generative artificial intelligence in content creation, is set to feature a keynote fireside chat with John Gaeta, a VFX pioneer known for his work on The Matrix trilogy. Gaeta, an Academy and BAFTA award winner, has shifted his focus from cinematic VFX to generative video, founding escape.ai, a platform for experimental entertainment that combines elements of Netflix and YouTube. Scheduled for August 5, 2025, at the NSW Teachers Federation Centre in Sydney, the event will also showcase insights from experts at Adobe, Thinkerbell, Avid Technology, and Nine Network.
The conference includes the Content AI Film Festival, sponsored by industry website content-technology.com, inviting submissions of AI-assisted videos up to three minutes long in categories like Best AI-Assisted Narrative Short Film, Best AI-Assisted Advertisement, and Best AI-Driven Music Video. The judging panel is led by UK-based AI film innovator Uncanny Harry, known for his groundbreaking AI video production work, including the short film The Cold Call.
Submissions are due by July 21, 2025, with finalists announced on July 28, and winners revealed at the conference on August 5. Tickets are available online, with prices set at AUD$100 plus GST for industry professionals and AUD$60 plus GST for students. The film festival entry fee is AUD$25 plus GST.