AI Film Fest

Maastricht, April 2025 - AI is not a future. AI is now.

While the world is still choking on ChatGPT and deepfakes, the first-ever AI Film Fest will land on June 3 on the premises of Film Fest Vaes in Maastricht. Not a tech event for nerds. Not a gadget fair. But a sharp, audience-focused festival that uses film as a weapon to spark the conversation about AI. About hope, fear, control and... chaos.

Because let's face it: AI is not just another technological development. It is a societal divisive issue. Will it save us from workforce shortages, or reduce us to spectators of our own jobs? Will AI make healthcare more human, or more remote? And if an AI wins an Oscar, what will that mean for artists, storytellers and copyright?"

The AI Film Fest, an initiative of ImpactHunters and The AI Playground, invites visitors not only to watch, but also to feel, doubt and discuss. Films, talks and panels together form a program that both chafes and inspires

With AI in health care

The morning program puts its finger on a sore spot: health care. Hospitals are closing, staff are burning out. Can AI make a difference? Or will we soon be shifting warm human contact to a cold algorithm? With contributions from healthcare experts, futurists and critical experience experts because 'smart care' requires more than smart software.

AI Agents on the Shop Floor!

In the afternoon, the focus shifts to SMEs. During "AI Agents in the Workplace!" it will be revealed how AI systems are taking over tasks that were once human work - from customer service to sales. Handy for staff shortages? Sure. But how do you keep control over something that works, learns and sometimes lies 24/7?

Local entrepreneurs share their successes as well as their doubts. Because an AI agent can help your business grow, but it can also invisibly change corporate culture.

AI for the general public: Oscar-winning Flow (2024)

When night falls, Ai becomes breathtaking for everyone. The big screen shows animated film Flow (2024), a recent Oscar winner. This dialogue-free animation tells the story of a black cat trying to survive with other animals during an all-consuming flood. The animation was created entirely with Blender, free and open-source AI software, and was largely realized by a small team of about 20 people, a revolution in the film world.

Why just here, why just now?

Just another keynote, but the architects of change. Futurologist Mike van Rijswijk and AI strategist Liesbeth Wijlaars are not just another speaker; together they are The AI Playground. As pioneers in the AI transition, they guide BV Nederland, from boardroom to shop floor, with vision, insight and concrete action.

During the AI Film Fest, they ensure that the audience not only watches, but understands what AI already means today for work, care, creativity and humanity. No abstract future stories, but a sharp look at what is happening now, and what is coming our way. With their approach, they not only give the public insight, but also guidance and prospects for action in an era in which technology is changing faster than policy.

Mike van Rijswijk, futurologist and co-founder of The AI Playground, is delighted with the collaboration that has arisen around AI Film Fest: "With event partners such as LIOF, ScaiLabs, Brightlands and organizer ImpactHunters, it's actually not surprising that this film festival about AI is taking place in South Limburg. Together with The AI Playground, we are landing AI at Film Fest Vaes. It is an innovative event in which we can take both a business and a broad audience into the wonderful world of AI."

Film Fest Vaes

AI Film Fest is part of the larger Film Fest Vaes that will take place at Vaeshartelt in Maastricht from June 2 to 15, 2025. In addition to Ai Film Fest, the international Bicycle Film Festival, Trail Running Film Festival and Parkbios Vaes will also land here. For more information and tickets, visit filmfestvaes.nl.