SUNNYVALE, CA — May 1, 2025 — In a bold convergence of cinema, technology, and cultural reflection, Sparknify proudly announces the inaugural Human vs. AI Tech Fair & Film Festival, to take place on Saturday, May 17, 2025, from 11 AM to 7 PM at Plug & Play Tech Center in Sunnyvale, California. This event will bring together the world of traditional filmmaking and cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) to examine the essence of humanity through innovative storytelling.
At the heart of this groundbreaking festival is the Sparknify Humanity Award, a unique recognition that will honor the short film that most profoundly expresses the essence of human experience. What makes this event especially captivating is that the award is open to both traditionally crafted films by human filmmakers and fully AI-generated films, highlighting a pivotal question in the age of AI: Can artificial intelligence replicate or even surpass human creativity?
As AI continues to evolve, impacting fields from entertainment to art, this festival invites filmmakers—both human and machine—to explore what it means to be human in a world where technology increasingly plays a role in artistic expression. The Sparknify Humanity Award will be granted to the film, regardless of its origin, that most deeply resonates with audiences, stirs emotions, and challenges traditional perceptions of what makes us human.
This year’s festival has received submissions from both human and AI creators worldwide. Some films come from years of lived experience and craft, while others have been generated using advanced algorithms and machine learning models. The event is designed not only to celebrate the talents of human filmmakers but also to elevate AI-generated films as legitimate artistic expressions, capable of showcasing technological creativity, emotional depth, and imaginative storytelling.
The Sparknify Humanity Award challenges the very notion of authorship, inviting creators—whether human or machine—to engage in a dialogue about the relationship between technology and humanity. The event underscores the evolving role of AI in artistic fields and asks two central questions:
- Can AI capture the essence of humanity more convincingly than human creators themselves?
- How can human filmmakers better define and showcase their own unique creativity and humanity in the age of advanced AI?
The significance of this year’s award could be monumental. If an AI-generated film emerges as the winner, it could mark a cultural milestone akin to Garry Kasparov’s historic defeat by IBM’s Deep Blue in 1997—a defining moment in which machine intelligence surpasses human supremacy in a traditionally human-dominated domain.
To ensure that all films are judged fairly and rigorously, the winner of the Sparknify Humanity Award will be selected by an esteemed panel of international judges. This diverse panel includes leading voices from academic institutions, celebrated directors, actors, and pioneers in digital effects and generative media. Together, they bring a wealth of expertise in both traditional storytelling and the technological advancements of AI-driven media.
This year’s official film selections reflect a rich and varied global dialogue, with 14 nominated short films showcasing an array of creative voices from across the globe. Among the films competing for the prestigious award are The Writer’s Horror by Sergiy Pudich (Ukraine/Thailand), Pi in the Sky by Petra Molnar (United Kingdom), Migratory Movements by Rogério Cathalá (Brazil), and The Monkey With Its Tongue Out by Sebastian Arriagada (Chile). Other notable entries include Heal by Manuel Larios (Peru), #Beachfile by Carles Bigorra (Spain), The Living Room by Mariam Mouzoul (Morocco), and Silentium by Roméo Lefèvre (France).
The list also includes films from Italy (The Aquarium by Gianluca Zonta), Taiwan (Partner by Johnny Su), Japan (AI Love You, AI Don’t Love You by Akari Sōma), Hungary (Endling by Endre Andor Lengyel), and the United States (Meet Me in Chinatown by Jerry Hsiao and Anna Sophie Loewenberg). These films represent a broad spectrum of creative voices, blending traditional filmmaking methods with AI-generated works in a competition that will ultimately answer the question: What does it truly mean to be human in a world where technology plays a central role?
The Sparknify Human vs. AI Tech Fair & Film Festival promises to be a dynamic and engaging experience for all attendees, offering more than just screenings. The event will feature a range of activities designed to celebrate the intersection of technology, art, and human expression. Attendees will have the chance to:
- Witness the announcement of the Sparknify Humanity Award winner and see whether AI can capture the soul of humanity.
- Participate in the AI vs. Human Film Showdown, where they will try to guess which films were created by humans and which were generated by AI.
- Explore exhibits showcasing cutting-edge innovations in AI, robotics, media, and more.
- Enjoy interactive displays with robots, AI art, and handcrafted works that blur the lines between human and machine.
- Experience live performances that blend art, code, and storytelling, providing a glimpse into the future of creativity.
- Relish food, drinks, and a vibrant festival atmosphere filled with lively discussions, demonstrations, and networking opportunities.
Event Details
- Event: Sparknify Human vs. AI Tech Fair & Film Festival
- Date: Saturday, May 17, 2025
- Time: 11 AM – 7 PM
- Location: Plug & Play Tech Center, 440 N. Wolfe Road, Sunnyvale, CA 94085
- Registration: Open to the public – Registration available at sparknify.com
- More Information: www.sparknify.com/2025-techfair
About Sparknify
Sparknify is a pioneering media and innovation platform at the intersection of human creativity and emerging technologies. By curating storytelling events, thought leadership forums, and groundbreaking initiatives, Sparknify challenges creators and audiences alike to explore the fundamental question: What does it mean to be human in an era defined by artificial intelligence? Through events like the Human vs. AI Tech Fair & Film Festival, Sparknify sparks a global conversation about the evolving relationship between technology and the human spirit.
