TLDR: Two Italian creators, Andrea Lommatzsch and Jacopo Reale, have been recognized at the second annual Reply AI Film Festival, held in conjunction with the 82nd Venice International Film Festival. Their films, ‘UN RÊVE LIQUIDE’ and ‘Love at First Sight,’ showcased innovative uses of artificial intelligence in filmmaking, contributing to a significant leap in quality for AI-driven narratives.
Venice, Italy – September 4, 2025 – The second edition of the Reply AI Film Festival, an international competition celebrating the innovative integration of Artificial Intelligence in filmmaking, concluded today with an awards ceremony at the Mastercard Priceless Lounge at the Hotel Excelsior on the Venice Lido. The festival, held in parallel with the prestigious 82nd Venice International Film Festival, saw two Italian creators, Andrea Lommatzsch and Jacopo Reale, recognized for their groundbreaking work.
Organized by Reply, an international group specializing in AI and Digital Media, the festival challenged creatives worldwide to explore the theme ‘Generation of Emotions,’ using AI to craft authentic and engaging cinematic experiences. This year’s edition attracted an impressive 2,500 short film submissions from 67 countries, with ten exceptional projects selected as finalists.
Among these finalists were Andrea Lommatzsch with ‘UN RÊVE LIQUIDE’ and Jacopo Reale with ‘Love at First Sight.’ Lommatzsch’s ‘UN RÊVE LIQUIDE’ was lauded as a ‘visually striking film where AI was key in transforming concept into narrative and animation.’ Reale’s ‘Love at First Sight,’ entirely created with AI tools, captivated audiences with its portrayal of ‘an unspoken connection between a shepherd and a shy observer,’ telling a story of ‘the beauty of shyness.’
The international jury, chaired by renowned filmmaker Gabriele Muccino, included industry luminaries such as Rob Minkoff, Caleb & Shelby Ward, Denise Negri, Dave Clark, Charlie Fink, Filippo Rizzante, Caroline Ingeborn, Paolo Moroni, and Guillem Martinez Roura. They were tasked with identifying works that demonstrated originality, high production quality, and a conscious application of AI throughout the creative process.
Filippo Rizzante, CTO of Reply, commented on the remarkable progress observed this year: ‘What stands out in all the short films from this second edition is a significant leap in quality — not only in the use of AI technologies, but in the ability to apply them to craft engaging, original, and emotionally resonant narratives. The finalists’ work demonstrates how artificial intelligence can become a mature creative tool, serving those who are able to imagine new languages and forms of expression.’
Jury Chair Gabriele Muccino echoed this sentiment, emphasizing AI’s role as a creative enabler: ‘AI is a catalyst for innovation, enabling filmmakers to explore new styles, genres, and narratives that were previously unimaginable. It’s exciting to see new talents pushing boundaries and shaping the future of cinema.’
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In addition to the main awards, this year’s festival introduced the Lexus Visionary Award, celebrating productions that best integrate technology, design, and future insight, and the AI for Good Award, promoted in collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), honoring films that highlight the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The recognition of Italian talent at this global event underscores the country’s growing influence in the burgeoning field of AI-driven cinematic artistry.
