Cinema Shift focuses on story-driven films that use AI in the service of narrative, character, and cinematic intent. We prioritize works where creative decisions are made by identifiable human authors and where AI is integrated thoughtfully within the filmmaking process.
We do not treat AI as a spectacle, product, or novelty. Instead, we examine how it reshapes creative practice, authorship, and storytelling within contemporary film culture.
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We value:
Alongside screenings, Cinema Shift hosts a focused conference program designed to foster discussion among filmmakers, writers, scholars, and practitioners.
We are committed to supporting ethical and transparent creative practices. We believe the future of AI in cinema depends on how tools are shaped by human values, responsibility, and storytelling traditions - not on automation alone.
Ruza Vrdoljak Licina is an executive leader and business strategist with extensive experience in cultural projects, digital transformation, and international initiatives. At Cinema Shift, she oversees strategy, partnerships, operations, and long-term development of the festival and conference.
Fabio Montanari is a filmmaker and scholar who has written series for major networks, including HBO and Netflix, and is the creator of an original international TV series for Amazon Prime Video. He holds an MFA in Film from Columbia University and is an Assistant Professor at York University.
Boris Licina is a screenwriter and curator focused on narrative authorship and AI-assisted storytelling. He holds a BFA in Screenwriting from York University and works across film and emerging media with an emphasis on story-driven, human-led cinema.
