Jaipur | The 19th Jaipur International Film Festival (JIFF 2027) has announced its first list of nominated films for its upcoming edition, scheduled to take place from 8 to 12 January 2027 in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. The first list features 248 nominated films from 39 countries, selected across multiple competition categories. This year, a special focus has been placed on films created using Artificial Intelligence (AI), making AI cinema one of the festival’s major attractions. According to the organisers, JIFF 2027 received 1,805 film submissions from 80 countries. The first list includes 119 films from India and 129 films from other countries. A total of 14 student films are also included in the list. The festival aims to bring together filmmakers, creative professionals, students, technology innovators and cinema enthusiasts from India and around the world. AI Cinema: A Special Attraction at JIFF 2027 One of the most distinctive features of this year’s festival is its special focus on AI-created films. The first list includes 35 films across AI-related categories, including AI Feature Fiction, AI Short Fiction, AI Documentary Short, AI Animation Short and AI Music Video. Notable titles in the AI categories include Update (Germany), HAYDON: Patron Saint of the Obsessed (United States), The Scribe and the Swordsman (Japan), Flashover: The Burning Firefighter (South Korea), Before Dawn (India), Lost & Found (Cyprus), A Blank Page (Japan), Made with Love (South Korea), Only Love (China), The Final Interview (India), The Insect Pandemic (India), The Way Out... (Vietnam), Setu (India), ORNEK (Kazakhstan), Le Drip (United States), Railbound (United States), and MAHABHARATA: A Cinematic Timeline (United Kingdom). The AI Music Video category includes DIVINE: Official Music Video and Lioness by Maansi T. The organisers believe that AI is opening new possibilities in filmmaking, animation, visual storytelling and music. These technologies are allowing filmmakers to explore new creative methods, experiment with visual concepts and develop stories in ways that were previously difficult or expensive to achieve. JIFF 2027 will provide an opportunity to experience this emerging form of cinema alongside conventional filmmaking and established cinematic practices. Message from Hanu Roj, Founder Director of JIFF Hanu Roj, Founder Director of the Jaipur International Film Festival, said: “JIFF has always believed in putting filmmakers first, encouraging new talent and bringing world cinema together on a common platform. Our special focus on AI films this year reflects our commitment to the changing landscape of cinema. Technology is creating new opportunities for filmmakers to transform their imagination into powerful visual experiences. “Our objective is to provide an international platform not only to established filmmakers but also to independent creators, young filmmakers, students and those experimenting with new technologies. Through JIFF 2027, we hope to encourage creative exchange, international collaboration and meaningful dialogue about the future of filmmaking.” He further emphasised that the festival would showcase diverse cinematic voices, languages, cultures and creative approaches from India and abroad. Diverse Competition Categories Across World Cinema The first list covers a wide range of cinematic formats and genres, including feature fiction, documentary feature, short fiction, documentary short, animation feature, animation short, AI films, student films, mobile films, advertising films, web series, music/song/album and AI music videos. Feature Fiction The 19th Jaipur International Film Festival (JIFF 2027) will bring together feature films and documentaries from India and different countries, highlighting cinematic diversity, cultural perspectives, human experiences and social themes. The selected feature films include India’s Hisaab (Hindi), Jockey (Tamil), Bili Chukki Halli Hakki (Kannada), and Four of a Kind (English); Iran’s Lidocaine (Persian) and Count to 10 (English and Persian); and Home Stories (Italian and Spanish), representing Spain and Venezuela. These films reflect the diversity of storytelling, languages and cinematic traditions across national boundaries. Documentary Feature The documentary feature selection also brings together stories from India and around the world. Highlights include Our Colors Never Fade (English and Ukrainian) from Germany and Ukraine; Living 1 New Day (French) from France; I Was Thinking of You (English) from the United States; India’s Air Risers (English, Hindi and Marathi), Welcome Home (English and Hindi), and Vitiyum Vare (Until Dawn) (Tamil); and Iran’s Landstone (Persian). Together, these documentaries offer audiences an opportunity to explore diverse cultures, real-life experiences, personal stories and subjects of international interest. Stories, Cultures and New Creative Possibilities The first selection brings together diverse cinematic perspectives on human relationships, personal struggles, social experiences, cultural identity, nature, environmental concerns, heritage, memory, family and technological change. Documentaries offer perspectives on real-life experiences and social issues, while fiction and animation explore storytelling through characters, imagination and visual experimentation. The inclusion of AI-created films also reflects the evolving relationship between human creativity and emerging technologies. The festival will provide a platform for filmmakers and audiences to engage with these developments and consider the possibilities they offer for the future of cinema. Statement by Rajendra Bora, Spokesperson, JIFF Rajendra Bora, Spokesperson for the Jaipur International Film Festival, said: “This year, the special focus on AI-created films will be one of the biggest attractions of JIFF 2027. From the organisers’ perspective, Jaipur is set to offer a distinctive opportunity to experience a substantial number of AI-created films together at one festival. We believe this will be a significant experience for filmmakers, technology professionals, students and cinema lovers. “JIFF 2027 will encourage dialogue between traditional cinema and emerging technologies. Jaipur will once again become a meeting point for filmmakers, creative talents and cinema professionals from India and around the world.” He added that the festival’s programme reflects the changing nature of filmmaking and the growing importance of innovation, experimentation and international creative exchange. Second List to Be Announced in November 2026 Following the announcement of the first list, the second list of nominated films is scheduled to be released in November 2026. The final screening programme and detailed schedule will be published on the festival’s official website. The organisers have clarified that not all nominated films will necessarily be screened; the screening committee will select a limited number of films for the festival programme.