New Delhi, March 2026: The International Film Festival Delhi (IFFD) 2026, in association with LTM and powered by IDFC FIRST Bank, has announced the launch of a 48-hour nationwide AI Filmmaking Hackathon, inviting creators to explore the future of storytelling through artificial intelligence.

Positioned at the intersection of technology and cinema, the hackathon is designed as a high-intensity creative sprint where participants will conceptualise and produce original 2–3-minute short films using end-to-end AI-driven workflows. The initiative is anchored by LTM CraftStudio and reflects LTM’s leadership in business AI, alongside its continued focus on enabling new frontiers of creative and technological innovation.

Scheduled to run virtually from March 25 to 27, 2026, the hackathon forms a key highlight of the inaugural edition of IFFD 2026, which will take place across New Delhi from March 25 to 31. Open to creators across India, the competition invites individuals as well as teams of up to five members to participate in a fast-paced format that encourages rapid ideation, experimentation, and execution.

Entries will be evaluated on creativity, storytelling, use of AI, and overall cinematic impact. Selected films will be shortlisted for final jury evaluation and screened at IFFD 2026, offering participants valuable exposure within a global festival ecosystem.

The hackathon will award ₹3 lakh for Best Film and ₹2 lakh for Runner-up, recognising exceptional work that pushes the boundaries of AI-led filmmaking.

With a lineup of over 125 Indian and international films and a diverse programme across venues including Bharat Mandapam, IFFD 2026 provides a dynamic backdrop for this initiative—extending the festival experience into emerging forms of digital creativity.